Difference between revisions of "Campione! (Polski)"
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*[[Campione!_(Polski):Tom_1_Roz3| Rozdział 3 - Dzień z życia władcy]] 0% |
*[[Campione!_(Polski):Tom_1_Roz3| Rozdział 3 - Dzień z życia władcy]] 0% |
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*Rozdział 4 - Wróg z daleka |
*Rozdział 4 - Wróg z daleka |
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| − | |||
| − | Magic High Schools are—— |
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| − | |||
| − | Nationally established high schools for the purpose of nurturing |
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| − | "Magicians", the practitioners of modern magic. |
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| − | |||
| − | There are a total of nine such schools set up in the country. |
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| − | |||
| − | The locations of the premises are as stated. |
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| − | |||
| − | First High School: Hachioji (Kanto, Tokyo) |
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| − | |||
| − | Second High School: Nishinomiya (Kinki, Hyogo) |
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| − | |||
| − | Third High School: Kanazawa (Hokuriku, Ishikawa) |
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| − | |||
| − | Fourth High School: Hamamatsu (Tokai, Shizuoka) |
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| − | |||
| − | Fifth High School: Sendai (Tohoku, Miyagi) |
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| − | |||
| − | Sixth High School: Izumo (Sanin, Shimane) |
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| − | |||
| − | Seventh High School: Kochi (Shikoku, Kochi) |
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| − | |||
| − | Eighth High School: Otaru (Hokkaido) |
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| − | |||
| − | Ninth High School: Kumamoto (Kyushu, Kumamoto) |
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| − | |||
| − | Among these, the First to Third schools have a fixed quota of two hundred |
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| − | students who are divided into two courses, Course 1 and Course 2 (The |
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| − | Third High School terms them as "Specialized Course" and "Normal |
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| − | Course"). The difference between Course 1 and Course 2 students lies in |
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| − | the availability of instructors; if we take away the availability of a personal |
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| − | instructor, then the curriculum between the two courses are the same. |
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| − | While the Fourth to Ninth schools, each with a quota of a hundred |
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| − | students, provide instructors to all the students, the level of their |
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| − | instructors is a notch lower compared to those of the First to Third schools. |
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| − | Even though various schools follow the curriculum guidelines set by the |
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| − | National University of Magic, there are also schools that have their own |
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| − | special characteristics. For example, the Third High School places |
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| − | emphasis on practical battle magic, and, in contrast, the Fourth High |
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| − | School places emphasis on a large number of highly complex |
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| − | manufacturing magic which are valuable in areas of magic engineering. |
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| − | Aside from the different focuses in the types of magic, there are also |
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| − | schools that specialize in magic usable in a particular environment. The |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | Seventh High School teaches, separate from the normal curriculum, high |
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| − | level magic that has practical usability above water or seas, while the |
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| − | Eighth High School integrates practical outdoor lessons on magic useful in |
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| − | regions of extreme cold or mountainous regions where the living |
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| − | environments are extreme. |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | Chapter 0 |
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| − | |||
| − | Magic. |
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| − | |||
| − | It is a product of neither legends nor fairy tales, but instead has become a |
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| − | technology of reality since a time unknown to people. |
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| − | |||
| − | The first verifiable record dates back to AD 1999. |
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| − | |||
| − | The incident, in which police officers possessing special powers stopped a |
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| − | nuclear act of terror carried out by a fanatic group in order to fulfill the |
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| − | prophecy of destroying humanity, became the first verifiable case of magic |
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| − | in modern times. |
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| − | |||
| − | Initially, that unusual ability was termed "Supernatural Power". An ability |
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| − | that was present in a person as a result of a purely inherent, sudden |
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| − | mutation, whose systematization as a technology which could be spread |
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| − | among the masses was thought to be an impossible thing. |
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| − | |||
| − | That was an erroneous notion. |
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| − | |||
| − | Through the research of "Supernatural Power" by both the influential |
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| − | Eastern and Western nations, the existence of people who were imparted |
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| − | "Magic" was gradually made public. It became possible to reproduce |
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| − | "Supernatural Power" through "Magic". |
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| − | |||
| − | Of course, talent is required to do that. However, only those who are |
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| − | blessed with a high aptitude can attain a mastery that can put them at a |
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| − | professional level, much like those who possess ability in the fine arts or |
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| − | sciences. |
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| − | |||
| − | Supernatural power became a technology systematized through magic, |
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| − | while magic became a technical skill. A "Supernatural Power User" |
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| − | became a "Magic Technician". |
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| − | |||
| − | Skilled Magic Technicians, capable of suppressing even nuclear weapons, |
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| − | are powerful weapons to a country. |
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| − | |||
| − | At the end of the 21st century —— in the year 2095 -- the various nations |
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| − | of the world, which are far from unified, are locked in a race to nurture |
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| − | Magic Technicians. |
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| − | |||
| − | The First High School is affiliated with the National University of Magic. |
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| − | |||
| − | It is an upper-level, magic institution known to send the most graduates to |
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| − | the National University of Magic every year. |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | At the same time, it is also an elite school that churns out the largest |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | number of excellent Magic Technicians (in short, Magicians). |
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| − | With regard to magic education, there is no official stance on providing an |
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| − | equal opportunity in education. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | This country does not have the luxury to do so. |
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| − | Furthermore, childish, idealistic debates revolving around the clear |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | disparity that exists between the capable and the incapable are not |
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| − | tolerated. |
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| − | Thoroughly talent-driven. |
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| − | Harshly competence-oriented. |
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| − | That's the world of magic. |
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| − | In this school where only elites are accepted, right at the start of |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | enrollment, the students are already divided into high achievers and low |
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| − | achievers. |
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| − | Even if two individuals are both freshmen, they are not necessarily equal. |
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| − | Even if they are blood-related siblings. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | Chapter 1 |
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| − | |||
| − | "I can't accept this." |
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| − | |||
| − | "You're still going on about that...?" |
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| − | |||
| − | It was the day of the school entrance ceremony, but it was still early |
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| − | morning, two hours before the start of the ceremony. |
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| − | |||
| − | The freshmen whose hearts were filled with anticipation at the future their |
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| − | new life would bring, along with their even more exultant parents, still |
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| − | numbered few and far between. |
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| − | |||
| − | Standing before the auditorium where the entrance ceremony was going to |
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| − | take place, a man and woman pair, clad in brand new uniforms, was for |
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| − | some reason locked in a verbal disagreement. |
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| − | |||
| − | They were both freshmen, yet their uniforms were strangely and |
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| − | distinctively different. |
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| − | |||
| − | We are not talking about the difference between slacks and skirt, nor the |
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| − | difference between a man and woman's attire. |
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| − | |||
| − | But rather, on the female student's chest was the eight-petaled flower |
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| − | design of the First High School's emblem. |
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| − | |||
| − | That emblem was not present on the male student's blazer. |
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| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama, why are you a reserve? Didn't you top the entrance exams? |
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| − | Typically speaking, the one who should become the freshman class |
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| − | representative should be you, not me!" |
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| − | |||
| − | "Putting aside the question of where you got hold of the entrance exam |
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| − | results... since this is a Magic High School, it's obvious that they'd place |
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| − | more emphasis on practical magic skills rather than on paper tests, right? |
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| − | |||
| − | Miyuki, you are well aware of the extent of my practical abilities, aren't |
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| − | you? I'm quite surprised that I even got accepted here as a Course 2 |
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| − | student." |
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| − | |||
| − | It was a scene where the male student was trying to pacify the female |
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| − | student who had been lashing out angrily with her sharp tongue. From the |
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| − | fact that the female student had called the male student 'Onii-sama', we can |
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| − | probably presume that they are siblings. It is also not unlikely that they are |
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| − | closely-related relatives. |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | If they are siblings... |
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| − | Then they are siblings who don't resemble each other at all. |
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| − | On one hand, anyone who sets eyes on the younger sister will no doubt be |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | captivated by her; ten out of ten people, or even a hundred out of hundred |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | people, will agree that she is a lovely, beautiful girl. |
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| − | On the other hand, for the elder brother, other than his erect back and |
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| − | piercing eyes, nothing in his ordinary appearance could be said to be |
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| − | attention-grabbing. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "How can you be so unsure of yourself?! Even when there's no one who's a |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | match for you in studies and taijutsu! The truth is, even for magic-" |
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| − | The younger sister reprimanded the elder brother for his weak |
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| − | proclamation, but, |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Miyuki!" |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | As he called out her name in an exceptionally strong tone, Miyuki sobered |
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| − | up and shut her mouth. |
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| − | "You understand right? Even if you say that, it can't be helped." |
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| − | "...I apologize." |
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| − | "Miyuki..." |
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| − | He put his hand on her lowered head and slowly stroked her glossy black |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | hair, which had not a single frizz in it. "Now, what should I do to fix her |
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| − | mood..." the young man who was the elder brother pondered with a |
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| − | miserable face. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...I'm really happy you feel that way. I always feel that I'm being saved |
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| − | whenever you get angry in my place." |
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| − | "Liar." |
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| − | "I'm not lying." |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Liar. Onii-sama, you're always scolding me..." |
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| − | "I'm not lying, I said. But, I too hold you in my thoughts the same way you |
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| − | do about me." |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama... 'hold me in your thoughts', you say..." |
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| − | (...Huh?) |
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| − | For some reason, the young woman blushed. |
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| − | Even though the young man could feel that a seed of dissonance that he |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | could not ignore had been sowed, in order to resolve the most immediate |
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| − | |||
| − | problem, he shelved that doubt for now. |
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| − | |||
| − | "Even if you back out of giving the reply address, there is no way I'll be |
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| − | |||
| − | selected as a replacement. If you back out at this eleventh hour, you won't |
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| − | |||
| − | be able to avoid a blemish on your appraisal. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | You do understand that, right? Miyuki, you are a smart girl." |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "But..." |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Besides, Miyuki, I'm looking forward to it. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Show this useless big brother of yours the glorious moment of his cute |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | little sister." |
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| − | "Onii-sama is not a useless big brother! |
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| − | ...But, I understand. Please pardon me for being willful." |
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| − | "There's nothing to apologize for. I've never thought of that as being |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | willful." |
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| − | "Well then, I'll be taking my leave. |
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| − | ...Please watch me, Onii-sama." |
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| − | "Yeah, break a leg. I'll be looking forward to your performance." |
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| − | "By all means, see you later." The young woman bowed and disappeared |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | into the auditorium. After ascertaining that she had left, the young man |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | breathed a sigh of relief. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | (Well... what should I do now?) |
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| − | The young man who had escorted his little sister, who had reluctantly |
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| − | become the freshman class representative, to school before the ceremony |
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| − | rehearsal started, was now at a loss as to how he should spend the |
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| − | remaining two hours before the start of the school ceremony. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | The main building, the practice building, and an experiment building made |
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| − | up three of the school buildings. |
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| − | |||
| − | An auditorium/gymnasium whose internal layout can be altered via |
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| − | transformation machinery. A library with three levels above ground and |
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| − | two levels below. Two small gymnasiums. A preparation building equipped |
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| − | with a changing room, a shower room, an equipment-storage room, and |
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| − | club rooms. The canteen, the cafeteria, and the procurement department |
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| − | are in another building. And above all that, the various large and small |
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| − | annexes constructed make the design of First High School appear more |
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| − | like the campus of a suburban university than a typical high school. |
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| − | |||
| − | The young man looked left and right as he walked along a path paved with |
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| − | a layer of bricks, searching for a place to rest until it was time for him to |
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| − | enter the auditorium. |
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| − | |||
| − | The ID card that would allow him to use the school facilities would only |
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| − | be given out after the school entrance ceremony ended. |
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| − | |||
| − | In order to avoid a scene of chaos, the open cafe that was meant to serve |
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| − | visitors was also closed today. |
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| − | |||
| − | After five minutes of walking around while referring to the campus map |
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| − | displayed on his mobile terminal, beyond a row of trees, which were |
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| − | positioned in such a way that couldn't escape his field of vision, he spotted |
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| − | a bench in the courtyard. |
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| − | |||
| − | It's a good thing that it's not raining, a frivolous thought entered his mind |
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| − | as he sat down on the three-man bench, opened his mobile terminal, and |
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| − | started accessing a book portal that he liked. |
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| − | |||
| − | This courtyard seems to be a shortcut from the preparation building to the |
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| − | auditorium. |
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| − | |||
| − | They were probably roped in by the management of the entrance ceremony |
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| − | to help out. That is, the current students (upperclassmen to the young man) |
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| − | who were passing the young man at a small distance. All of them had the |
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| − | same eight-petaled flower emblem on the left side of their chests. |
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| − | |||
| − | As they passed by, a trail of artless, ill-meaning words escaped from their |
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| − | backs. |
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| − | |||
| − | —Isn't that kid a Weed? |
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| − | |||
| − | —He's early... he sure is enthusiastic for a reserve. |
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| − | |||
| − | —In the end, he's just a spare. |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | A conversation, which he didn't really want to hear, flowed into his ears. |
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| − | |||
| − | The word, Weed, refers to a Course 2 student. |
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| − | |||
| − | The students who have the emblem design of an eight-petaled flower on |
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| − | the left side chest area of their blazers are called "Blooms", while the |
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| − | Course 2 students who don't have that are likened to weeds that have no |
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| − | blooming flowers, and are sneered upon as "Weeds". |
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| − | |||
| − | The quota for the freshmen in this school is two hundred. |
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| − | |||
| − | Among them, one hundred of them enter this school as Course 2 students. |
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| − | |||
| − | The First High School, which is affiliated with the National University of |
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| − | Magic, is an institution established under national policy for the purpose of |
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| − | nurturing Magic Technicians. |
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| − | |||
| − | In exchange for a granted budget from the country, it has the obligation to |
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| − | produce definite results. |
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| − | |||
| − | Every year, this school produces over a hundred graduates who either enter |
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| − | the University of Magic or enroll in a Magic Technical Institute of |
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| − | Specialized Higher Training. |
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| − | |||
| − | While it's a pity, the fact is that magic education is a trial-and-error thing. |
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| − | Accidents, which go beyond the level of minor mishaps, can easily happen |
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| − | directly through magic slip-ups from practice training and experiments. |
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| − | Even while the students are aware of the dangers involved, one will bet |
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| − | one's future on one's own talent in magic and the possibility that exists in |
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| − | oneself, and walk the path to become a Magician. |
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| − | |||
| − | When there are only a handful who possess such talent, and that talent is |
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| − | highly valued by society, few would throw it away, even more so for the |
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| − | young men and women who have yet to reach their individual maturity, |
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| − | rendering them unable to pursue a road outside of a 'brilliant future'. |
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| − | Another fact, as a consequence of such a belief system getting fixed inside |
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| − | of them, is that, many children have been burdened with 'wounds' from |
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| − | that belief system. |
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| − | |||
| − | Thanks to the accumulation of know-how, most accidents resulting in |
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| − | deaths or handicapped bodies have been eradicated. |
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| − | |||
| − | However, one's talent in magic can be easily impaired via a psychological |
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| − | component. |
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| − | |||
| − | Every year, the number of students who have dropped out as a result of |
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| − | being unable to use magic due to the shock of an accident is by no means |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | small. |
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| − | |||
| − | The ones who fill the gap are the "Course 2 students". |
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| − | |||
| − | Upon enrolling in schools, they are allowed to participate in classes, use |
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| − | the facilities and access data, but they lack the most important component |
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| − | in their studies, that they are not entitled to receive personal instruction in |
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| − | practical magic skills. |
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| − | |||
| − | They can only learn on their own, and show results through their own |
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| − | efforts. |
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| − | |||
| − | If they can't do that, they will have to graduate from a normal high school. |
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| − | |||
| − | If one does not graduate from a magic high school, one cannot pursue |
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| − | studies in the university of magic. |
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| − | |||
| − | Given that the number of people who can teach magic is very insufficient, |
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| − | it is unavoidable that the more talented ones be given priority. Right from |
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| − | the beginning, Course 2 students are accepted under the condition that no |
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| − | one will teach them. |
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| − | |||
| − | Publicly, it is forbidden to call the Course 2 students "Weeds". |
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| − | |||
| − | However, in part, one can almost say that this has become a well-known |
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| − | derogatory term for them, a term that is rooted even within the Course 2 |
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| − | students themselves. Even the Course 2 students have to recognize that |
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| − | they are no more than spares. |
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| − | |||
| − | That was the same for the young man. |
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| − | |||
| − | That was why there was no need for them to have spoken that aloud on |
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| − | purpose for him to realize that. He had entered this school while being |
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| − | fully aware of that. |
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| − | |||
| − | What an unnecessary favor from them, the young man thought as he turned |
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| − | his attention to the book portal that had loaded on his data terminal. |
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| − | |||
| − | . . . |
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| − | |||
| − | On the open computer terminal, a clock was displayed. |
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| − | |||
| − | His consciousness, which had been immersed in reading, returned to |
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| − | reality. |
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| − | |||
| − | There were another thirty minutes until the school entrance ceremony. |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | "Are you a new student? It's almost time for the ceremony." |
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| − | |||
| − | Around the same time he was about to stand up, having logged out of one |
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| − | of his favorite reading portals and closed his computer terminal, a voice |
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| − | came from above him. |
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| − | |||
| − | The first thing that came into view was the skirt of a uniform. Following |
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| − | that, wrapping around a left arm was a wide bracelet. |
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| − | |||
| − | Broader and thinner than a normal bracelet, it was the latest model of a |
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| − | CAD that was made with fashion in mind. |
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| − | |||
| − | CAD (Casting Assistance Device) —— spell support processor. |
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| − | |||
| − | In this country, it is also known as a (Magic Operator). |
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| − | |||
| − | Something that replaces tools such as spell chants, talismans, hand seals, |
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| − | magic circles, magic tomes, and other traditional methods of invoking |
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| − | magic, it is a tool of necessity for any modern Magic Technician. |
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| − | |||
| − | These days, there is no research into using a single word, or a single phrase |
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| − | to invoke magic. When used in conjunction with talismans and magic |
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| − | circles and others, the shortest invocation will take around ten seconds, |
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| − | while the longer ones can take above a minute depending on the magic, |
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| − | and in place of that, the easy-to-use CAD can reduce that to under a |
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| − | second. |
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| − | |||
| − | While it is possible for magic to be invoked without a CAD, the number of |
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| − | Magic Technicians who do not use CADs, which can rapidly accelerate the |
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| − | invocation of magic, equates to nil. Among those who have dedicated |
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| − | themselves to the specialization of one particular skill in bringing about |
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| − | supernatural phenomena with just their will alone, the so-called |
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| − | "Supernatural Power Users", the ones who seek the speed and stability that |
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| − | an activation system can bring and love using the CAD have become the |
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| − | mainstream crowd. |
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| − | |||
| − | However, it does not mean that anyone who possesses a CAD can use |
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| − | magic. |
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| − | |||
| − | The CAD only provides the activation sequence, and it is the ability of the |
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| − | Magic Technician himself that invokes the magic. |
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| − | |||
| − | In other words, CADs are red herrings to those who can't use magic, and |
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| − | are only carried by those involved with magic. |
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| − | |||
| − | And then, according to the young man's memory, the students who were |
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| − | allowed to persistently carry a CAD within the school compounds were |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | either executive members of the student council or particular committee |
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| − | members. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Thank you, I'll be on my way." |
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| − | On the left chest area of the other party, was of course the eight-petaled |
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| − | flower emblem. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The bulge from the chest that was pushing up the blazer did not stir any |
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| − | part of his consciousness. |
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| − | He did not hide his left chest. |
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| − | He did not do such a cowardly act. |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | But, it didn't mean that there was no ill feeling of any sort. |
||
| − | He could not imagine himself getting actively involved with a high |
||
| − | achiever who appeared to be a student council executive member. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm impressed. A screen type?" |
||
| − | However, the other person seemed to think otherwise. While looking at the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | film screen of the mobile data terminal that the young man had folded in |
||
| − | three folds with his hand, the person grinned, as if delighted at something. |
||
| − | At this juncture, the young man finally looked at the face of that person. |
||
| − | The face of that person was twenty centimeters lower than the height of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the young man who had stood up from the bench. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The young man's height was a hundred and seventy-five centimeters, as |
||
| − | such, even for a female, she was short. |
||
| − | She was just at the right height to ascertain that he was a Course 2 student |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | with her line of sight. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | But her gaze did not have the slightest hint of belittlement, and was filled |
||
| − | with a pure, innocent wonder instead. |
||
| − | "Our school disallows the use of virtual display terminals. But yet, it's |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | regrettable that many students still use the virtual display type. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | However, you are using the screen type even before enrolling into the |
||
| − | school." |
||
| − | "The virtual type is not suitable for reading." |
||
| − | Anyone could tell that his terminal was a seasoned one with one look, so |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | she did not bother asking further. |
||
| − | The young man's reply that sounded like an excuse was a fruit of careful |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | thought, since if he was excessively blunt, it would become more of a |
||
| − | disadvantage to his younger sister than himself, as he was certain that his |
||
| − | younger sister, who was the freshman representative, would probably be |
||
| − | chosen by the student council. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Upon hearing that calculated response, the upperclassman became even |
||
| − | more impressed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Instead of watching animation, you read huh? This is even rarer. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I also prefer book-based information to animation-based ones, so I'm kind |
||
| − | of happy." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Indeed, while this is an era where virtual content is preferred over text |
||
| − | content, book readers are not really that rare. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Somehow, it seemed like this upperclassman had an uncommonly sociable |
||
| − | personality. Judging from her tone and speech, she appeared to be getting |
||
| − | friendlier. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Ahh, I beg your pardon. I'm the student council president of the First |
||
| − | High School, Saegusa Mayumi. Written as 'seven grass', read as Saegusa. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Nice to meet you." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though she added a wink at the end, there was not a hint of wonder in |
||
| − | her tone. With a pretty girl's looks and together with a well-proportioned |
||
| − | body despite her small frame, she radiated such an alluring atmosphere |
||
| − | that it would not be surprising if newly matriculated male students |
||
| − | misunderstood her intentions. |
||
| − | |||
| − | But yet, on hearing her self-introduction, the young man seemed to frown |
||
| − | involuntarily. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "A number... and to top it off, a 'Saegusa (Seven Grass)'." |
||
| − | |||
| − | A Magician's ability is greatly influenced by heredity. |
||
| − | |||
| − | A Magician's qualities are greatly related to his lineage. |
||
| − | |||
| − | And in this country, the houses that possess a superior blood lineage in |
||
| − | magic carry a number in their family name by tradition. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Among the numbered Magician lineages that carry a superior hereditary |
||
| − | factor, the Saegusa is one of the two houses deemed to be the most |
||
| − | powerful in this country currently. That young woman who was the student |
||
| − | council president of this school was probably of their direct descent. In |
||
| − | other words, she was an elite among elites. It might even be apt to say that |
||
| − | she was the exact opposite of him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Holding back a bitter mutter, and somehow managing to bring out a |
||
| − | courteous smile, the young man returned his name. |
||
| − | "I'm, no, my name is Shiba Tatsuya." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Shiba Tatsuya-kun... I see. You are that Shiba-kun huh..." |
||
| − | The eyes of the student council president went wide with surprise, after |
||
| − | which, she nodded meaningfully. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Well, at any rate, while he was the elder brother of the freshman |
||
| − | representative, the top entry student Shiba Miyuki, he was a dunce who |
||
| − | flat-out couldn't use any magic. The 'that' was probably referring to that. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Thinking about that, Tatsuya politely kept quiet. |
||
| − | "Among the teachers, you have been quite a hot topic," |
||
| − | Said Mayumi after a cheerful smile, appearing unconcerned with Tatsuya's |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | silence. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It was probably due to how rare it was to have a pair of siblings who were |
||
| − | that much of a far cry from each other, thought Tatsuya. |
||
| − | However, no such incredulity nor negative emotions could be sensed from |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | her. He could feel no sign of ridicule embedded in that smile. |
||
| − | He could only feel a friendly positivity emanating from Mayumi's smile. |
||
| − | "Out of a hundred marks, the average mark of all seven subjects in your |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | entrance exam was ninety-six. |
||
| − | Especially, the best were Magic Theory and Magic Engineering. Even |
||
| − | though the average mark of those who passed was no more than seventy, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | you got a perfect grade without a hitch for both subjects that had essaybased |
||
| − | questions. |
||
| − | It's an unheard of record high." |
||
| − | It wasn't his imagination at hearing those unreserved praises, thought |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya. The reason was because, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Those are merely paper test results. They are just data inside an |
||
| − | information system." |
||
| − | In the appraisal of magic high school students, more emphasis was given |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | to practical results, and not paper test results. |
||
| − | While a bitter civil smile surfaced on Tatsuya, he pointed to his own left |
||
| − | chest. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | It was not possible for the student council president to not understand. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, Mayumi shook her head with a smile at Tatsuya's words. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Not vertically, but to the left and right. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "That kind of terrific score, at the very least, I won't be able to reproduce |
||
| − | that, you know? |
||
| − | |||
| − | I may not look like it, but I'm really much stronger in theory-based |
||
| − | subjects. If my entrance exam had the same questions, I definitely wouldn't |
||
| − | be able to score such a high mark like you, Shiba-kun." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's about time... please excuse me." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya took his leave from Mayumi, who seemed to have something more |
||
| − | to say, and turned his back towards her without waiting for her reply. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Somewhere in his heart, he feared the smiling face of Mayumi, and at what |
||
| − | might happen if he were to continue talking with her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though he was not conscious of what he was afraid of. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | As a result of the conversation with the student council president, by the |
||
| − | time Tatsuya entered the auditorium, more than half the seats were already |
||
| − | filled up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Since there was no seat designation, be it the first row, the last row, right at |
||
| − | the center, or right at the edge, he was free to sit anywhere. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even now, depending on the school, there are schools that follow the |
||
| − | traditional style of arranging the seats by class that will be announced prior |
||
| − | to the entrance ceremony, but as for this school, one can only ascertain |
||
| − | one's class upon receiving one's ID card. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Therefore, the seats were not arranged in class order. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, there was clearly an order to the distribution of seats for the |
||
| − | freshmen. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The first half at the front would be taken up by the Blooms. The students |
||
| − | who wore an eight-petaled flower emblem on their left chest. The |
||
| − | freshmen who would be able to receive the full benefits of the curriculum |
||
| − | of this school. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | The second half at the back would be taken up by the Weeds. The students |
||
| − | whose left chest area was left blank. The freshmen who were only allowed |
||
| − | to enroll in this school as reserves. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Even when they were the same freshmen, who were becoming the students |
||
| − | of this school on the very same day, they were cleanly divided into a group |
||
| − | with the emblem and a group without it. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | And this was not something that was enforced. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | (The people who were the most conscious of the discrimination accepted |
||
| − | the discrimination, huh...) |
||
| − | It was certainly a kind of common sense in itself. |
||
| − | Without the intention of going against the flow openly, Tatsuya chose at |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | his own discretion an empty seat near the center of the last one-third rows |
||
| − | and sat down. |
||
| − | He turned his eyes to the clock on the wall. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Another twenty minutes more. |
||
| − | He couldn't access any site in that auditorium where electronic |
||
| − | communication was restricted. The data saved in his terminal was also no |
||
| − | longer new information to him, and more importantly, it was forbidden to |
||
| − | open a terminal in this place. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya tried thinking about his sister who should be doing her final |
||
| − | rehearsal at this time... and shook his head. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | That little sister wouldn't become flustered right before the main event. |
||
| − | In the end, Tatsuya, who did nothing, adjusted and sat himself upright on |
||
| − | the hard seat and closed his eyes. Just as he was about to slip into a snooze, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Er, is the seat beside you occupied?" |
||
| − | A voice called out. |
||
| − | He opened his eyes, and just as he thought, the voice had been directed at |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | him. |
||
| − | As expected from the voice, it was a female student. |
||
| − | "Help yourself." |
||
| − | Even though he was bewildered why she purposely chose to sit beside a |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | random male student, despite the fact that there were still many empty |
||
| − | seats, on top of the seats here being made large enough with comfort in |
||
| − | mind, the other party was a young woman with a slender build (note that |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | this is referring to the horizontal aspect), and thus, Tatsuya did not feel any |
||
| − | unease with her sitting beside him. Rather, it was much more comfortable |
||
| − | than if a filthy muscle block were to sit beside him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Thinking about that, Tatsuya gave a polite nod. |
||
| − | Thank you, the young woman nodded as she took her seat. |
||
| − | Beside her, three other young women sat down one after another. |
||
| − | I see, Tatsuya acknowledged to himself. |
||
| − | It seemed like they were looking for a place that could accommodate all |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | four of them sitting together. |
||
| − | They are probably friends, though it's quite rare to see four friends making |
||
| − | it into a difficult school like this one and to be in Course 2 together on top |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | of that, thought Tatsuya. It won't be strange even if one of them were a |
||
| − | high achiever, he felt —— but it didn't matter to him anyhow. |
||
| − | "Er..." |
||
| − | The voice called out to Tatsuya again, who had turned back to facing the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | front after having no further interest in the same year student beside him |
||
| − | whom he had just met by chance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | What on earth does she want? |
||
| − | Clearly, she wasn't an acquaintance, and neither did he knock against her |
||
| − | on the elbow nor on the foot. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | If Tatsuya were to say it himself, he was sitting in a good posture. |
||
| − | He shouldn't have done anything that would warrant a complaint but — |
||
| − | "I'm Shibata Mizuki. Nice to meet you." |
||
| − | Unexpectedly, she introduced herself, in a seemingly timid tone, to Tatsuya |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | who cocked his head. Even though it could be dangerous to judge one by |
||
| − | appearance, she didn't seem to be the type who was good at impressing |
||
| − | others. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | She probably forced herself to do it, judged Tatsuya. She might have done |
||
| − | it with the thought that they would need to help each other since they were |
||
| − | both disadvantaged Course 2 students. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm Shiba Tatsuya. Nice to meet you too." |
||
| − | Upon returning a soft introduction as he thought about that, the eyes |
||
| − | beyond those large lenses appeared relieved. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | In this era, it was quite rare for girls to wear glasses. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Since the middle of the twenty-first century, as a consequence of the vision |
||
| − | correction procedure becoming widespread, the ailment known as myopia |
||
| − | had become a thing of the past in this country. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Unless one was born with a hereditary form of vision abnormality at a |
||
| − | serious level or such, one would not need any vision correction tool, and |
||
| − | even in the event that one would need it, it was more common for people |
||
| − | to affix ten-year long persistently worn contact lenses that were harmless |
||
| − | to the body. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If she was wearing glasses despite this, it could be because it was her |
||
| − | hobby, a fashion accessory, or due to — |
||
| − | |||
| − | (Over-sensitivity to spirit particle emission, huh...) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Just from a quick look, he could tell that there was no degree in the lenses. |
||
| − | At the very least, he knew that they were not used for vision correction. |
||
| − | From his impression of this young woman, rather than wearing them for |
||
| − | fashion, it was more probable that she was wearing those glasses because |
||
| − | of a particular need, Tatsuya thought naturally. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Over-sensitivity to spirit particle emission" refers to a condition of the |
||
| − | body where one can see spirit particle emission without conscious effort, |
||
| − | and cannot shut them out with conscious effort, in other words, a type of |
||
| − | disorder where complete cognizant control cannot be achieved. Thus, it |
||
| − | was not really an illness, nor a handicap. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was a disorder where one's senses were excessively sharp. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Pushion (Spirit Particles) and Psion (Thought Particles). Both were |
||
| − | particles observed in "Para-Psychological Phenomena" — which included |
||
| − | magic as well — comprised of non-physical entities that neither |
||
| − | corresponded to Fermions, particles that make up the composition of |
||
| − | matter, nor were they the same as Bosons, which bring about the |
||
| − | interaction between matter. Psion were particle manifestations of intention |
||
| − | and thought, while Pushion could be thought of as particle manifestations |
||
| − | of the emotions brought about by intention and thought. (A pity that this |
||
| − | was still at a hypothetical stage.) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Normally, it was Psion that was used in magic, and in the technology |
||
| − | systems of modern magic, emphasis was placed on the control of Psion. |
||
| − | Magicians first started from learning how to manipulate Psion. |
||
| − | |||
| − | People who suffered from "over-sensitivity to spirit particle emission", a |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | hereditary disorder, showed symptoms of being oversensitive to spirit |
||
| − | particle emission — non-physical light generated depending on the activity |
||
| − | of Pushion. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Those who were visually exposed to spirit particle emission would have |
||
| − | their emotional state affected. Consequently, Pushion were hypothesized to |
||
| − | be particles formed by emotions, and as a result, a person suffering from |
||
| − | "over-sensitivity to spirit particle emission" tended to be susceptible to the |
||
| − | breakdown of his or her mental stability. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Fundamentally, to prevent that, it required the control of Pushion |
||
| − | sensitivity, and for those who were unable to do that, they would require a |
||
| − | technology aid. One of these aids were glasses made from a special kind of |
||
| − | lenses known as "Aura Cut Coating Lenses". |
||
| − | |||
| − | In reality, to Magicians, "over-sensitivity to spirit particle emission" was |
||
| − | not that rare of a condition. Since a Magician's sensitivity to Pushion and |
||
| − | sensitivity to Psion were more or less directly proportional, the number of |
||
| − | Magicians who consciously manipulated Psion and were troubled by being |
||
| − | oversensitive to the radiation of spirit particles fell on the higher side. One |
||
| − | could even say that it was something that could not be helped. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, it would indeed be rare to see a person who had it as a disorder |
||
| − | such that he or she needed to constantly block the spirit particle emission |
||
| − | with glasses. It would not be much of a concern if it was because of a |
||
| − | lesser manipulative ability, but, if it was due to an extremely superior |
||
| − | sensitivity, then it would be bad news for Tatsuya. (Though it would be the |
||
| − | opposite for the person in question.) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya had a secret. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was a secret that could not be uncovered from his outward appearance |
||
| − | alone, and as such, not of concern, but, if she did have those special eyes |
||
| − | that would allow her to sense Pushion and Psion as if they were |
||
| − | completely visible to her, his secret might be discovered by random |
||
| − | chance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | —He would have to be much more alert and act cautiously whenever she |
||
| − | was around. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm Chiba Erika. Nice to meet you, Shiba-kun." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Nice to meet you too." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The voice of the young woman sitting beside Mizuki cut off Tatsuya's |
||
| − | thoughts. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | But that was a welcome interruption. |
||
| − | Tatsuya's look had unconsciously turned into a stare, and Mizuki's |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | bashfulness was pretty much approaching its limit, but it had gone |
||
| − | unnoticed by Tatsuya. |
||
| − | "But, can I say that this is an interesting coincidence?" |
||
| − | Different from her friend, Erika appeared to be an extrovert and of an |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | unreserved type. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Her short, bright hair and her distinct facial features amplified the |
||
| − | impression of her being a lively girl. |
||
| − | "What is?" |
||
| − | "Well, you know, we are Shiba, Shibata, and Chiba right? Don't they |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | rhyme somehow? Though they are a little different." |
||
| − | "...I see." |
||
| − | He could understand what she meant by that. |
||
| − | (But still, Chiba huh... another numbered one?[3] I didn't know that the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Chiba House had a daughter by the name of "Erika", but it's possible that |
||
| − | she's of collateral descent...) |
||
| − | As he thought about that, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | really interesting, |
||
| − | a somewhat out-of-place laugh escaped from him, but it was not to the |
||
| − | extent that drew cold looks from those around him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | After the remaining two students on the other side of Erika had finished |
||
| − | introducing themselves, Tatsuya felt like satisfying his trivial curiosity. |
||
| − | "Were the four of you from the same middle school?" |
||
| − | Erika's reply was an unexpected one. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Nope, all of us just met for the first time." |
||
| − | Tatsuya's surprised look might have been a strange one, for Erika started |
||
| − | giggling as she explained. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I didn't know where the place was and I was staring at the information |
||
| − | board. That's when Mizuki called out to me." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...Information board?" |
||
| − | That's strange, thought Tatsuya. The data for the school entrance ceremony |
||
| − | included the location of the venue, and had been sent to all the new |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | students. By using the LPS (Local Positioning System), a standard feature |
||
| − | in a mobile terminal, even if a new student didn't read the information |
||
| − | board, or remember any of the information, one shouldn't lose one's way. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The three of us didn't bring our data terminals." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well, the virtual-screen models are banned and I had the school entrance |
||
| − | guide stored in mine." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "We managed to luck into this school after all. It wouldn't make sense to |
||
| − | get marked off right at the school entrance ceremony." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I forgot mine actually." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "So that's the reason for you, huh..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | He really couldn't accept it. It's your own school entrance ceremony; at |
||
| − | least verify the location of the venue before coming, he thought honestly to |
||
| − | himself, but didn't say a word. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There was no need to stir up any meaningless trouble — thinking about |
||
| − | that, Tatsuya restrained himself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki's reply address was outstanding as expected. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya never had the slightest thought that his little sister would fumble at |
||
| − | something like this. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though she was fired up and included a number of pretty dangerous |
||
| − | phrases like "everyone alike", "as a single body", "aside from magic" or |
||
| − | "in an integrated manner", she managed to set them up properly and they |
||
| − | didn't sound thorny at all. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Her openness, innocence, and modesty, coupled with her lovely, beautiful |
||
| − | appearance, had captured the hearts of not just the guys, the freshmen, but |
||
| − | the upperclassmen as well. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki would probably be surrounded by boisterousness from tomorrow |
||
| − | onward. |
||
| − | |||
| − | That was not an unusual thing. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Using the society's standards, one could call Tatsuya a siscon from the way |
||
| − | he pampered her. He wanted to commend her immediately, but |
||
| − | unfortunately, what followed immediately after the ceremony was the |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | issuing of the ID cards. |
||
| − | Since the individual cards were not made beforehand, the arrangement was |
||
| − | to have each and every person go to a certain place to personally have their |
||
| − | data written into the cards meant for use within the school premises, so |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | whichever counter they went to, the procedure could be completed, but |
||
| − | here, a wall naturally appeared in Tatsuya's heart. |
||
| − | Miyuki probably, undoubtedly, skipped this step; as the freshman |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | representative, she had probably already been conferred with this card. |
||
| − | And right now, in the midst of the visitors and student crowd. |
||
| − | "Shiba-kun, which class are you in?" |
||
| − | Erika, with a face that could not hide her excitement, asked Tatsuya, who |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | was the last in line among the group (in other words, he was practicing the |
||
| − | 'ladies first' rule). |
||
| − | "Class E." |
||
| − | On hearing Tatsuya's reply, |
||
| − | "Yay! We are in the same class." |
||
| − | Erika hopped up and down happily. She seemed to be overdoing it but, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I am in the same class as well." |
||
| − | With just the accompanying action missing, Mizuki also had a similar face, |
||
| − | so this might be a natural reaction for freshmen. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm in class F." |
||
| − | "I'm in class G." |
||
| − | Even so, it was not like the reactions of the remaining two were cold and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | unfeeling. After all, they were in high spirits about enrolling into a high |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | school. |
||
| − | This school has eight year one classes, and each class has twenty-five |
||
| − | students. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In this respect, they were equal. |
||
| − | In the first place, the Weeds who were not expected to bloom into flowers |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | were placed in classes E to H, and the Blooms who were expected to |
||
| − | bloom into large flowers were never mixed among them. |
||
| − | The two girls who were assigned to different classes naturally went along |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | their way. It seemed like the two of them were headed towards their |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | homerooms. Even though classes A-D and classes E-H were located on |
||
| − | different levels, it did not appear that their enthusiasm was any less from |
||
| − | that. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was not like all the Course 2 students would stick around together in one |
||
| − | group. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There were also a number of them who would straighten their backs, and |
||
| − | be proud about getting accepted into a reputable school. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Since this school was also ranked among the top in the country in areas not |
||
| − | pertaining to magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The two of them probably went off to search for new friends among those |
||
| − | whom they would spend the rest of the year with. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "What shall we do? Shall we go take a look at our homeroom as well?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Erika asked as she looked up at the face of Tatsuya. While Mizuki didn't |
||
| − | ask, she was also probably looking up at Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Save for a few schools who were continuing the old traditions, these days, |
||
| − | high schools did not employ the system of having homeroom teachers. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Administrative circulars did not need to be handed out one by one, and |
||
| − | besides, there was not that much extra budget to waste on such human |
||
| − | resources, so the circulars were distributed through the terminals that were |
||
| − | connected throughout the entire school. |
||
| − | |||
| − | A system of having one terminal for school use assigned to each individual |
||
| − | had already been in existence decades ago. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Except for individual instruction or practical lessons, almost everything |
||
| − | was done using the data terminals. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If more care were needed, counselors who held expertise in multiple |
||
| − | disciplines would be assigned by the school. |
||
| − | |||
| − | So, the reason homerooms were needed was for the convenience of |
||
| − | practical and trial lessons. When practical and trial lessons ended within |
||
| − | time, so as not to have a time surplus, they needed somewhere to hold a |
||
| − | certain number of people. (Notwithstanding, detention was a daily affair.) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Besides, with the personal terminal system, it also made some things very |
||
| − | convenient. |
||
| − | |||
| − | No matter what background people came from, once the time they spent in |
||
| − | the same room became long, they would mingle with one another |
||
| − | naturally. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | By dispensing with the homeroom teacher system, the bonds between |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | classmates tend to strengthen. |
||
| − | At any rate, if one wanted to make new friends, going to the homeroom |
||
| − | was the fastest route to that. But, Tatsuya shook his head at Erika's |
||
| − | invitation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Sorry. I'm meeting up with my little sister." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | There were no lessons nor further things to be communicated to them for |
||
| − | today. |
||
| − | Tatsuya had an agreement with Miyuki to go back together immediately |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | after the procedures were done. |
||
| − | "Heehh... if it's Shiba-kun's little sister, then she must be really cute right?" |
||
| − | On hearing Erika's thoughtful and questioning murmur, Tatsuya was |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | troubled as to how he should answer her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | If it's his little sister, then she must be cute. What could that mean? thought |
||
| − | Tatsuya. He felt that he couldn't quite connect the cause and effect well. |
||
| − | Fortunately, he didn't really need to force himself to answer that. |
||
| − | "Could your little sister be... the representative of the freshmen, Shiba |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki-san?" |
||
| − | Since Mizuki had asked a more primitive question. |
||
| − | This time round, there was no need for him to hesitate. A nod from Tatsuya |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | was enough to ascertain the answer to that question. |
||
| − | "Eh? Really? Then, are you twins?" |
||
| − | The question from Erika was a natural one. To Tatsuya, it was a question |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | that he had heard since young. |
||
| − | "I have often been asked that but we are not twins. I was born in April |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | while she was born in March. If I were born one month earlier or she were |
||
| − | born one month later, then we wouldn't be in the same school year." |
||
| − | "Hmm... I guess that really makes things complicated huh?" |
||
| − | With a little sister who was a high achiever in the same school year, it was |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | bound to be complicated, but Erika did not ask that with any bad intent. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya smiled and let the question slide. |
||
| − | "That aside, it's surprising that you can tell. Shiba is not such a rare family |
||
| − | name after all." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | On hearing Tatsuya's counter question, the two young ladies smiled faintly. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "No no, it's pretty rare." |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, the way she said it gave off a considerably different feel. In |
||
| − | contrast to Erika's smile, which was mixed with a sense of wryness, |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Your features look alike..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mizuki's reserved smile appeared to lack confidence. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Do we look alike, I wonder?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya's head did not turn at Mizuki's words. In the same manner as |
||
| − | Erika's words just now, as if his highlighting tone had taken root, Mizuki's |
||
| − | words felt unreal to him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Rather, he couldn't believe them. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even if one didn't actively look for the good points in Miyuki, she was a |
||
| − | rare beauty. Even if you took away all her superfluous talents, just by |
||
| − | being there, she would not be able to help but gather attention --A born |
||
| − | idol. No, a star. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Looking at his little sister, he could understand that the idiom, "God does |
||
| − | not give two gifts", was but an unpleasant lie. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Conversely, was he himself above the norm, or above average, perhaps? |
||
| − | Tatsuya evaluated himself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | During middle school, to an onlooker, while love letters (to Tatsuya, they |
||
| − | appeared as fan letters) were shoved to his little sister, Tatsuya had never |
||
| − | once received such a thing. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even if it were only partially, they should still inherit the same genes, but |
||
| − | even Tatsuya had doubted not just once or twice whether they were bloodrelated |
||
| − | or not. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "If you put it that way... uhn, you do look alike. Shiba-kun is quite the |
||
| − | hunk as well. It just kind of feels like your features can't resemble any |
||
| − | more than that." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Just as Erika replied to Tatsuya's query, Mizuki also nodded in agreement. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "'Hunk' you said, which obsolete word from which era is that... and doesn't |
||
| − | that mean if you take away my face, there's no resemblance in us right?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Feeling-wise, Erika's words might be a little difficult to understand, but it |
||
| − | seemed like it was not just their faces that looked alike. After Tatsuya had |
||
| − | interpreted as such, he made a dull jab at her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "That's not it. Hmm, how should I put it..." |
||
| − | It seemed like Erika couldn't quite express it as well either. |
||
| − | If not for Mizuki's rescue boat, she would probably still be fumbling for a |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | while. |
||
| − | "It's your aura. Your dignified features look alike. As expected of siblings." |
||
| − | "That's right! Aura, it's your aura." |
||
| − | Slapping her own lap, Erika gave a strong nod as well. |
||
| − | This time, it was Tatsuya's turn to smile wryly. |
||
| − | "Chiba-san... aren't you someone who gets carried away easily?" |
||
| − | Carried away? You're so cruel, she started protesting but he let it slide. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | From her tone, it was not like Erika was really flaring up at his comment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "That aside, Shibata-san, it's amazing for you to be able to tell by our |
||
| − | aura... Your eyes must be really good." |
||
| − | But it was Erika who jumped at his words with a deep tone woven into |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | them. |
||
| − | "Eh? Mizuki is wearing glasses you know?" |
||
| − | "I don't mean that. Besides, Shibata-san's glasses have no degree in them |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | right?" |
||
| − | Huh? Erika peered into Mizuki's glasses with a bewildered face. |
||
| − | On the other side of those lenses, Mizuki's eyes widened and hardened. |
||
| − | Was she surprised at being seen through, or was she chagrined at a secret |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | of hers being discovered? Whichever it was, it seemed to Tatsuya that it |
||
| − | was something of no consequence to her. |
||
| − | As to why she had made such a face, he had no chance to inquire about it. |
||
| − | The time was just up. And it was probably for the best for now. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama, sorry for the wait." |
||
| − | From behind Tatsuya and the rest, who were talking at a corner near the |
||
| − | exit of the auditorium, the voice of the person whom he was waiting for |
||
| − | called out. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Miyuki, who was surrounded by a crowd, slipped out from there. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Initially, Tatsuya felt that she was a little early, but thinking about his little |
||
| − | sister's character again, it was perhaps just about time. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though she wasn't one who would shy away from socialization, it |
||
| − | was undeniable that she had a tendency to be obsessively displeased with |
||
| − | flattery and compliments. While you could say that she was behaving like |
||
| − | a kid, since young, there had been no lack of opportunities for her to |
||
| − | receive praise, and among them, the times when such compliments were |
||
| − | coated with a mix of jealousy and envy numbered not just a handful. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If you think about that, then it was quite understandable that she would be |
||
| − | somewhat suspicious of the adulation she received. You can even say that |
||
| − | she was bearing it well for today. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "You were quick" was what he intended to say as he turned around, but |
||
| − | even though the words remained the same as planned, his intonation turned |
||
| − | into a questioning one. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Behind the one he had expected, was an accompanying one whom he |
||
| − | didn't. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Hello Shiba-kun. We meet again." |
||
| − | |||
| − | In response to that amiable, disarming smiling face and words, Tatsuya |
||
| − | lowered his head without saying anything. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Despite his inadequate acknowledgement to her courteousness, the smile |
||
| − | of the Student Council President, Saegusa Mayumi, did not give way in the |
||
| − | slightest. Perhaps, it was a type of poker face of hers, or perhaps, this was |
||
| − | something inborn in this young lady who was more senior in age. |
||
| − | Whichever it was, Tatsuya, who had only just met her, could not tell. |
||
| − | |||
| − | But, more than the elder brother's strange response to the student council |
||
| − | president, his little sister appeared to be bothered by the two young ladies |
||
| − | who had snuggled up (?) intimately to her big brother from beside him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama, they are..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Before explaining her own situation on why she was not alone, Miyuki |
||
| − | was seeking out an explanation on why Tatsuya was not alone. Even |
||
| − | though he was a little taken aback by her abruptness, he had nothing to |
||
| − | hide. Tatsuya answered without a second's delay. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "This is Shibata Mizuki-san. And that is Chiba Erika-san. We're in the |
||
| − | same class." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "I see... isn't it a little too soon to be dating your classmates?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | With her adorable head tilted to the side, it's not like I have something |
||
| − | against it, Miyuki's face seemed to say as she asked. Her lips formed a |
||
| − | lady-like smile. But, her eyes were not smiling. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Oh my oh my, thought Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It seems like immediately after the ceremony, she has been bombarded |
||
| − | with flattery from left and right, setting her on edge, resulting in plenty of |
||
| − | accumulated stress. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "There's no way that could happen right, Miyuki? We were just chatting |
||
| − | while waiting for you. |
||
| − | |||
| − | You are being rude to both of them, aren't you?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | His little sister's pouting face looked cute to him, but to not give her own |
||
| − | name after getting introduced to the other party might not look favorable |
||
| − | for her reputation in front of the upperclassmen and the same year |
||
| − | students. On seeing Tatsuya's slightly reproachful eyes, a look of |
||
| − | resignation flashed across her face for an instant, and following that, |
||
| − | Miyuki fixed up an even more gracious smile on her face. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Good day, Shibata-san, Chiba-san. I am Shiba Miyuki. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I'm also a freshman just like Onii-sama, so I look forward to being in your |
||
| − | care." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I am Shibata Mizuki. Same here, I also look forward to being in your |
||
| − | care." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Nice to meet you. You can just call me Erika. Can I call you Miyuki?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Yes, please do. It'll be hard to distinguish between me and my brother |
||
| − | from our family name." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The three young women introduced themselves to one another again. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The greetings exchanged between Miyuki and Mizuki seemed appropriate |
||
| − | for people who have met for the first time. But for Erika, right from the |
||
| − | start, she was surprisingly (if this is the right way to put it) friendly. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, only Tatsuya felt bewildered at Erika's friendly manner of |
||
| − | speaking. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There was no sign of Miyuki being bothered by the almost overly-familiar |
||
| − | behavior from her nod. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Ah-ha, Miyuki, I didn't expect you to be so sociable from your outward |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | appearance." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "You are just as open as you appeared to be. Nice to meet you, Erika." |
||
| − | |||
| − | After getting exasperated by all the flattery and compliments, it was |
||
| − | understandable that she would be quite fond of Erika's frank attitude, but it |
||
| − | seemed like both of them had somehow acquired a mutual understanding |
||
| − | beyond that. Miyuki and Erika were both exchanging unreserved smiles |
||
| − | with each other. While Tatsuya could not help but felt left behind, it would |
||
| − | not do to remain rooted here. Since the group with the student council |
||
| − | president who had followed his little sister were of the same crowd, they |
||
| − | weren't really obstructing anyone, but because of this, if they continued to |
||
| − | stand around here, they would become an obstruction to people who would |
||
| − | want to pass through. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Miyuki. Are you done with your business with the student council? If you |
||
| − | are not, I can go kill some time myself, you know?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's fine." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The one who had replied to Tatsuya's question and suggestion was the |
||
| − | other party. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm here just to say hello for today. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki-san... can I call you that as well?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Ah, yes." |
||
| − | |||
| − | As Mayumi addressed her, Miyuki nodded, her unreserved smile replaced |
||
| − | by a solemn expression. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well then Miyuki-san, we'll catch up on another day." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi bode goodbye lightly with a smiling face and started to make her |
||
| − | exit out of the auditorium. However, one of the accompanying male |
||
| − | students at the back called Mayumi to a stop. On his chest, blooming |
||
| − | proudly as if it were a natural thing, was an eight-petaled flower emblem. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "But President, what about the schedule on our side..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "We didn't really make an appointment beforehand. If she already has |
||
| − | another engagement, she should give that priority right?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | After the male student, who appeared to want to persist further, was |
||
| − | restrained by her eyes, Mayumi gave a meaningful smile to Miyuki and |
||
| − | Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well then Miyuki-san, I shall take my leave. Shiba-kun as well, I'd love to |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | catch up with you one of these days." |
||
| − | |||
| − | After bidding them off again, Mayumi left. Following that, the male |
||
| − | student who was following behind her turned around, and he glared at |
||
| − | Tatsuya so hard as if one could hear his tongue clicking. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...Now, shall we go back?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | While he had somehow managed to invoke the displeasure of not just the |
||
| − | upperclassmen but the student council executive members when he had |
||
| − | just enrolled into the school, it was something quite beyond his control. Of |
||
| − | course, it was not like he was going to experience a smooth-sailing life |
||
| − | where he could just brood over things like that. Despite having less than a |
||
| − | full sixteen years of life experiences, Tatsuya had already experienced |
||
| − | negativity of such degree. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm sorry, Onii-sama. Because of me, people are getting a bad |
||
| − | impression..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's nothing you need to apologize for." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Without letting the distressed-looking Miyuki finish her words, Tatsuya |
||
| − | brought his hand up and placed it on Miyuki's head from the side with a |
||
| − | small knock. As he continued to stroke her hair in a combing fashion, her |
||
| − | downcast face became tinged with an enraptured shade. To any onlooker, |
||
| − | this pair of siblings appeared to be approaching a dangerous boundary, but |
||
| − | perhaps, still withholding their reservations as a consequence of having |
||
| − | just met the siblings, Mizuki, and Erika as well, said nothing about that. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well, since we are all here, why don't we go have a cup of tea?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Sounds great! There seems to be a nice cake shop around." |
||
| − | |||
| − | In other words, it was a teatime invitation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There was no need to ask them whether their families were waiting for |
||
| − | them. Asking such a thing would probably be a needless consideration. It |
||
| − | was the same for Tatsuya and Miyuki. |
||
| − | |||
| − | That aside, Tatsuya had something else to ask. In truth, it was really an |
||
| − | insignificant thing, but it was something that would gnaw at him if he |
||
| − | didn't ask. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "You didn't check up on where the school entrance ceremony would be |
||
| − | held, and yet you know where a cake shop is?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | It might be a question of a slightly teasing nature. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Of course! It's something important, isn't it?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | But Erika nodded confidently without the slightest bit of hesitation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "'Of course', huh..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | His acknowledgement turned into a moan. But, as if it were somebody |
||
| − | else's business, Tatsuya thought that someone would receive the brunt of |
||
| − | that. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama, what do you think?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | But it seemed like Tatsuya was the only one shocked at Erika's rash |
||
| − | remarks. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even Miyuki did not appear to have paid heed to the lack of common |
||
| − | sense in prioritizing a confectionary over the ceremony venue. —Though |
||
| − | in the first place, Miyuki was not aware of the details of the whole story. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well, sounds good. After all, we just got acquainted with one another. Be |
||
| − | it the same gender, or the same year, we won't find another friend too |
||
| − | many." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though he said that, he had never really put much thought into his |
||
| − | agreeing response. There was no particularly pressing matter awaiting him |
||
| − | at home either. Originally, Tatsuya did think that they should go |
||
| − | somewhere to spend the afternoon to commemorate his younger sister's |
||
| − | enrollment before going home. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Since it was not a well thought out line, it reflected his offhand true voice. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Apparently aware that it was his true voice speaking, Erika and Mizuki |
||
| − | returned their words in this manner. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Shiba-kun I say, when it comes to Miyuki, you don't ponder too deeply |
||
| − | over it..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "You really care about your sister, don't you..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Whether it was a compliment or a comment from blank amazement, before |
||
| − | the combined respective differing gazes, Tatsuya could only remain silent |
||
| − | with a bitter face. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | The "cake shop" that Erika brought them to was in fact a "French cafeteria |
||
| − | with delicious dessert". They took their lunch there and spent some time |
||
| − | chatting merrily (it was the three females talking, and Tatsuya was only |
||
| − | listening), and by the time they got home, it was close to evening. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There was no one to welcome them. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The house, which vastly exceeded average in size, appeared to be |
||
| − | inhabited by just Tatsuya and Miyuki. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He returned to his room and took off his uniform first. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He really didn't want to think that such a 'makeshift mantle' could affect |
||
| − | him that much, but, after taking off the blazer that was intentionally |
||
| − | fashioned to look "different", he felt a little lighter. He clicked his tongue |
||
| − | once at these feelings of his and quickly finished changing. |
||
| − | |||
| − | As he was relaxing in the living room, before long, Miyuki, who had |
||
| − | finished changing, came down from her room. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though materials had made a large progress, apparel design had |
||
| − | largely remained the same as a hundred years ago. |
||
| − | |||
| − | With her beautiful shapely legs revealed from below the short skirt of a |
||
| − | style from the start of this century, Miyuki approached him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | For some reason, this little sister's fashion sense tended towards a more |
||
| − | revealing nature at home. Even though he seemed to be more or less used |
||
| − | to it, her considerably increased femininity from it frequently caused |
||
| − | Tatsuya to feel troubled about where he should set his eyes on. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama, would you like something to drink?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Sounds good. I would like a coffee then." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Certainly." |
||
| − | |||
| − | As she headed towards the kitchen, a banded loose tail of hair swayed |
||
| − | behind her slender back. It was to prevent her hair from interfering with |
||
| − | her kitchen work, but, from the fleeting glimpses of the fair nape of her |
||
| − | neck, which was normally covered by her long hair, an inexpressible |
||
| − | loveliness radiated from the wide center of the neckline of her clothing. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In an advanced country where the use of Home Automation Robots (HAR) |
||
| − | was widespread, women —— as well as men —— who involved |
||
| − | themselves with kitchen work belonged to the minority. There were few |
||
| − | people who performed any actual cooking in general, such as toasting |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | bread or brewing coffee, with their own hands unless it was a hobby. |
||
| − | And Miyuki belonged to this minority group. |
||
| − | It was not because she was a machine moron. |
||
| − | When friends came to visit, she would normally leave it to the HAR. |
||
| − | But, when together with just Tatsuya alone, she would definitely opt to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | labor herself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The grinding sounds of beans and bubbling sounds of boiling water |
||
| − | reached Tatsuya's ears faintly. |
||
| − | She could be said to be pretty hung up to even go to the extent of using the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | simplest paper drip, rather than using an old coffee maker model. |
||
| − | He had tried asking her once, and her reply was that she wanted to do it |
||
| − | that way, so it was probably indeed a hobby for her. He also recalled the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | time when he had asked her whether it was a hobby, and she had glared at |
||
| − | him with a pouting face. |
||
| − | At any rate, the coffee Miyuki brewed was most suiting to Tatsuya's taste. |
||
| − | "Onii-sama, here you go." |
||
| − | She placed the cup on the side table, came around from the other side and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | sat beside him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The coffee on the table was black, while the one she held had milk added |
||
| − | to it. |
||
| − | "Tastes really good." |
||
| − | There was no need to compliment further. |
||
| − | Just from that alone, Miyuki broke into a grin. |
||
| − | Then, peering into the satisfied face of her elder brother with her smiling |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | eyes, a relieved look surfaced on her face as she brought the cup to her |
||
| − | mouth —— that was the usual Miyuki. |
||
| − | With that, the two of them savored their coffee. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Neither of them struck up a forced conversation. |
||
| − | Both of them were not bothered by the presence of the other person beside |
||
| − | themselves. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The times when it felt bad to not speak to each other for a long period of |
||
| − | time had long since passed. |
||
| − | The topics they could talk about were plenty. Today was the school |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | entrance ceremony. They had made new friends, and for some reason, they |
||
| − | had encountered worrisome upperclassmen. Miyuki was invited by the |
||
| − | student council as expected. The things that could be recalled, and the |
||
| − | things that could be discussed, were too many for one night. |
||
| − | |||
| − | But, facing the sibling pair, in the house of theirs, were merely tilted cups |
||
| − | in silence. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "—It's almost time to make dinner." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Holding her empty cup, Miyuki stood up. Handing over his coffee cup to |
||
| − | his little sister's outstretched hand, Tatsuya also stood up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The evening deepened into night as usual for the two siblings. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Chapter 2 |
||
| − | |||
| − | He awoke to the second day of his high school life, and it was quite |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ordinary. |
||
| − | Even though he had started to attend high school, it didn't mean that the |
||
| − | earth's rotation cycle would be affected. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | He lightly washed his face — since he was going to properly wash it again |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | later — and put on his usual attire. |
||
| − | Then he went downstairs to the dining room and saw that Miyuki had |
||
| − | started to make breakfast. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Morning, Miyuki. You're quite early today." |
||
| − | It was still the break of dawn, and there was no sign of the Spring sun yet. |
||
| − | It was still too early to go to school. The first lesson was at 8am sharp and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | commuting to school would take roughly 30 minutes, so it would be ideal |
||
| − | to leave the house at 7:30am. Preparing breakfast, eating, cleaning up... if |
||
| − | we considered the time needed for all this, there would still be over an |
||
| − | hour of extra time. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Good morning, Onii-sama... please help yourself." |
||
| − | "Thanks." |
||
| − | She handed him a glass of fresh juice. |
||
| − | After a sincere word of gratitude, he emptied the glass in one breath, then |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | returned it to Miyuki's outstretched hand. —Miyuki had a perfect grasp of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya's breathing pattern. |
||
| − | Just at the exact moment he was about to say "I'm leaving" to his little |
||
| − | sister, who was once again facing the kitchen table, Miyuki's hands |
||
| − | stopped and she turned around. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama, I was actually planning to go with you today..." |
||
| − | Upon saying that, she lifted a basket full of sandwiches. It seemed more |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | accurate to say that she had "finished making breakfast" rather than |
||
| − | "started to make breakfast". |
||
| − | "I don't really mind, but... will you be coming in your uniform?" |
||
| − | He asked while eyeing the school uniform under her apron, a stark contrast |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | to the sweatshirt he was wearing. |
||
| − | "I haven't reported to sensei about school enrollment yet... and also, I can |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | no longer accompany you in your training, Onii-sama." |
||
| − | And that was Miyuki's answer. |
||
| − | The reason why she had already changed into her school uniform this early |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | in the morning was to show her high school look to him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Understood. Miyuki, it's not like you need to carry out the same morning |
||
| − | training as I do, but Master will probably be happy to see you. |
||
| − | ...Though I hope that he doesn't start running amok from being overly |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | happy." |
||
| − | "If that happens, then Onii-sama, please protect me." |
||
| − | The sweet wink from his little sister naturally brought a smile to Tatsuya's |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | face. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | In the slightly chilly, refreshing air of the early morning, a young woman |
||
| − | was gliding up the hill road on her rollerblades, her long hair and skirt |
||
| − | fluttering in the wind. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Without kicking off the ground to propel her, she was zooming up the |
||
| − | gentle but long hill road against gravity. |
||
| − | Her speed probably reached 60 kph. |
||
| − | Tatsuya was keeping pace beside her. |
||
| − | Though he was jogging, each stride he took went as far as 10 meters. |
||
| − | But, he did not look as relaxed as Miyuki did. |
||
| − | "Perhaps, I should slow down a bit?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "No, then it wouldn't count as training." |
||
| − | Miyuki asked, having spun around, gliding backwards on one foot, to |
||
| − | which Tatsuya replied without losing a single breath despite the evident |
||
| − | fatigue. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Neither of them had any kind of propelling device installed in their shoes. |
||
| − | Needless to say, this speed was an effect of magic. |
||
| − | What Miyuki was using was a magic that decreased the acceleration due to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | gravity and a magic that would allow her body to follow the slope of the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | road to move towards her destination. |
||
| − | |||
| − | What Tatsuya was using was a magic that would amplify both acceleration |
||
| − | and deceleration forces generated when he kicked off the ground, and a |
||
| − | magic that would suppress his upward motion in order to prevent him from |
||
| − | jumping too high. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Both of them were using a simple combination of motion and acceleration |
||
| − | spells. As a result of their simplicity, not just Miyuki, but even Tatsuya |
||
| − | who could only enroll as a Course 2 student, was able to maintain a |
||
| − | persistent invocation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In such a situation, it couldn't be said which magic -- the one employed by |
||
| − | Miyuki who was wearing rollerblades, or the one employed by Tatsuya |
||
| − | who was running with his own legs -- was of a higher difficulty level. |
||
| − | |||
| − | At one look, with the rollers to reduce the burden of motion, it seemed like |
||
| − | it was more effortless for Miyuki, but, without using her own feet, it meant |
||
| − | that she had to control her motion vector completely with magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | On the other hand, for Tatsuya, he could determine the direction of his |
||
| − | movement with his running legs. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya who had to continuously reactivate his spell at every single step, |
||
| − | and Miyuki who could not release her control on her spell, even an instant. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The training each of them was imposing on themselves were of completely |
||
| − | different natures. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | Their destination was about ten minutes away from their house — at the |
||
| − | speed they were moving — on top of a slightly elevated hill. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If we were to use a single word to describe it, it would be "Temple". |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, the people who were gathered there did not resemble any |
||
| − | "priests", "monks", nor even "novice monks" in the slightest. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If we are daring enough to put a fitting label on them, "Practitioners of |
||
| − | Austerities" or "Soldier Priests" might be more appropriate. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Shrouded by the atmosphere of being rigid towards girls, especially |
||
| − | towards young ones who would make them so fearful that they wouldn't be |
||
| − | able to get close, Miyuki glided in on her rollerblades without a single |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | moment of hesitation. While it was an act that was unlike her usual |
||
| − | courteousness, the head had repeatedly told her "It's fine" to the point of |
||
| − | irritation, so she just dispensed with the formalities. |
||
| − | |||
| − | As to what Tatsuya was doing at that time, he had not kept up his pace. No, |
||
| − | that wasn't it, he had in fact met with a violent reception as he passed |
||
| − | through the temple gate. |
||
| − | |||
| − | When one first starts going to this temple, one would start off sparring |
||
| − | with a single person at a time, but right now there were about twenty of the |
||
| − | middle-ranked or lower disciples coming at Tatsuya all at once — not |
||
| − | round-robin — an unusual thing. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Miyuki-kun! Long time no see." |
||
| − | |||
| − | A merry voice suddenly called out from Miyuki's blind spot. Miyuki, while |
||
| − | standing at the front yard of the main temple building, had turned around |
||
| − | to look worriedly at her elder brother who was buried in a mass of people. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Sensei... please stop erasing your presence and sneaking up on us. We |
||
| − | have been looking all over for you..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Despite any extra vigilance, the same kind of thing kept happening over |
||
| − | and over again, to the point that it’s not so much a shock as a pointless |
||
| − | waste to Miyuki. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Telling me not to sneak about, Miyuki-kun, is giving quite a tall order. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I’m a 'shinobi'. Sneaking about is what I do." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Wearing the black robe of a monk, with a clean shaven head, he did not |
||
| − | seem at all out of place here but did not give any impression of age. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The only description that could really be used was ‘aloof’, and even |
||
| − | though he was dressed as a monk, that was impossible to believe. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "In this day and age, there’s no such occupation as ninja. I wish you’d |
||
| − | correct that as soon as possible." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even as Miyuki earnestly protested, |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Tut tut tut, don’t misunderstand by labeling us ninjas. We are fully |
||
| − | legitimate 'shinobi'. It’s a tradition, not an occupation." |
||
| − | |||
| − | He replied while wagging his finger back and forth. —It was altogether |
||
| − | rather rude. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "We respect your legitimacy. So please stop it with all the mystery. Why is |
||
| − | sensei so..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Frivolous, she had been about to say, but gave up. It was pretty pointless, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | she had learnt that by now. |
||
| − | This wannabe monk — well, actually, he does have the qualifications of a |
||
| − | genuine monk — Kokonoe Yakumo, is a self ascribed "shinobi". |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Or more liberally, a "ninjutsu user". |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Just as he insisted, he is an operative who draws the line with only |
||
| − | surpassing physical capabilities, teaching the ways of ancient magic. |
||
| − | At a time when magic was becoming the target of science, yet still |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | concealed from the public world, and thought of as fiction, it was revealed |
||
| − | that masteries such as ninjutsu had somehow become classified not just as |
||
| − | mere forms of medieval martial arts but categories of magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Yet rather than fiction, it’s probably closer to think of it as a mysterious |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "art". |
||
| − | Naturally, as with other magic systems, the legend doesn’t tell the whole |
||
| − | truth. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The "transformations" in the ninjutsu of storytellers are just high speed |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | movement and illusions. |
||
| − | Not just ninjutsu, but all traditional forms of magic rely on tricks like that, |
||
| − | and things such as transformations, shape shifting, and alchemy are |
||
| − | considered impossible in many fields of modern magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The Kokonoe Yakumo whom Miyuki calls sensei, and Tatsuya calls |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | master, was one who passed on such traditional shinobi magic knowhow. |
||
| − | However, putting aside his priestly attire (which screamed of falsehood |
||
| − | anyway), his appearance and residence notwithstanding, no matter how |
||
| − | you look at it he lacked a sense of propriety |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Is that the uniform of the First high school?" |
||
| − | "Yes, we had the entrance ceremony yesterday." |
||
| − | "I see I see. Mmm, it’s nice." |
||
| − | "...Today, I knew you would be starting school..." |
||
| − | "That brand-new green uniform, neat and clean, has some sort of hidden |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | charm." |
||
| − | "..." |
||
| − | "Almost like a flower bud that is about to open, a shoot about to sprout. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Ah yes... moe, this is truly moe! Mrmph?" |
||
| − | At this massively rising tension Miyuki was slowly backing away, then |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | suddenly Yakumo twisted around while raising his left hand above his |
||
| − | head. |
||
| − | Thwak, the sound of an arm chopping down. |
||
| − | "Master, you’re frightening Miyuki. Could you please calm down a bit?" |
||
| − | "…Not bad, Tatsuya-kun. Taking me from the back, hah." |
||
| − | Whilst blocking Tatsuya’s right arm with his left, Yakumo lashed out from |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the right. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Weaving his arm in a figure 8, it was enveloped by a fist just as it was |
||
| − | about to reach the side. |
||
| − | As Yakumo effortlessly somersaulted forwards, aiming a kick at the back |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | of Tatsuya’s head, Tatsuya deftly spun around and dodged. |
||
| − | The gap between the two closed. |
||
| − | A sigh rose from the spectators. |
||
| − | At some point in time, those two had been surrounded by a large circle of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | people. |
||
| − | Yakumo and Tatsuya exchanged blows again. |
||
| − | It was not just Miyuki whose hands were clenched in anxiety. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | Ever since Tatsuya was a junior high first year student, or to be precise |
||
| − | since October, this kind of chaos would occur and finish before a relative |
||
| − | peace would settle upon the grounds every morning. The disciples would |
||
| − | return to their own exercises, and the only ones who would remain before |
||
| − | the main building would be the siblings, Tatsuya and Miyuki, along with |
||
| − | Yakumo. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Sensei, here. Would Onii-sama like some as well?" |
||
| − | "Ooh, Miyuki-kun, thanks." |
||
| − | "...Please wait a little." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | With one hand Yakumo, still sweating, took the cup and towel from |
||
| − | Miyuki with a smile while Tatsuya, breathing roughly and sprawled out on |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | the ground, raised a hand in acknowledgement before painstakingly |
||
| − | picking himself up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama, are you alright...?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | As Tatsuya struggled to rise, Miyuki, with a worried expression, knelt |
||
| − | down beside him without concern for her clothes and began to wipe him |
||
| − | with a towel in hand. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Yeah, I’m fine." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Neither of them noticed the warm expression Yakumo was making as |
||
| − | Tatsuya took the towel from Miyuki and, after a pause, gathered his |
||
| − | strength and sprang up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I’m sorry, I ended up getting your skirt dirty." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya’s jacket was, naturally, also stained with dirt, but Miyuki did not |
||
| − | need to point that out. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "This much is nothing." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki smiled in response and instead of brushing off her skirt, took out a |
||
| − | thin mobile terminal. The front of the device was almost entirely taken up |
||
| − | by a force feedback panel, upon which she began entering digits. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki was holding a type of general mobile CAD. The most popular form |
||
| − | is a bracelet, as the risk of dropping a mobile is considerable. The |
||
| − | advantage of Miyuki's CAD is that it can be used with one hand. Since |
||
| − | advanced magicians dislike having both hands occupied, these are |
||
| − | preferred. |
||
| − | |||
| − | A complex pattern of light was drawn with the left hand holding the CAD, |
||
| − | as the magic was initiated. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The tool of a modern magician, in place of wands and tomes, a machine |
||
| − | produced by magical engineering: the CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This device, which incorporates synthetic materials that convert psion |
||
| − | signals into electric signals, uses the psion from a magic ritual to produce a |
||
| − | collection of electronic magic—the activation ritual. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The activation ritual is the blueprint of magic. Within it exists information |
||
| − | equal or greater to the combined data of lengthy incantations, complex |
||
| − | symbols, and rapid shift mudras. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mages infuse Psion particles inherent in their bodies into the activation |
||
| − | sequence output by the CAD, and feed that from the subconscious magic |
||
| − | processing system present in all magicians into the magic operations area. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Here the activation sequence is expanded, and all the necessary parameters |
||
| − | input, in order to assemble the magic ritual. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In this way, the CAD allows the processing of all the necessary |
||
| − | components for magic in a single moment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Evanescent clouds appeared out of nowhere and wrapped around Miyuki |
||
| − | from her skirt to her black leggings, all the way down to her sandals. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Particles also flew out from the air, and poured from Tatsuya’s back all the |
||
| − | way around his whole body. |
||
| − | |||
| − | After the thin mist cleared up, the uniform and jacket of the two were |
||
| − | immaculate as ever. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama, would you like breakfast? If sensei wants, you may join as |
||
| − | well." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki, as if that had been only natural, asked in a light tone as she raised |
||
| − | the basket. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In fact, Tatsuya knew full well that such an amount of magic was indeed |
||
| − | "nothing at all" to his sister. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | Both Tatsuya and Yakumo were sitting down on the veranda, stuffing |
||
| − | themselves with sandwiches. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki held a sandwich in one hand, and with the other gallantly serviced |
||
| − | Tatsuya by handing him tea and plates. |
||
| − | |||
| − | As he watched this scene with a smile, Yakumo had sensed ill will coming |
||
| − | from somewhere. After wiping his hands and mouth with a towel held out |
||
| − | by a shaven pupil, he put his hands together and bowed towards Miyuki, |
||
| − | whispering something in a quiet voice, |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It’s possible that I’m unable to beat Tatsuya-kun in pure martial arts |
||
| − | already..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | There was unmistakable admiration. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If any other students had been around, envy would have been inevitable. |
||
| − | Indeed, the disciples waiting on Yakumo were directing a mixture of |
||
| − | jealousy and envy at Tatsuya upon hearing those words. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki was beaming as much as if those words had been directed at her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, Tatsuya’s heart was unable to be moved by such simple praise. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "I can’t say I’m terribly gratified by those words, considering you just |
||
| − | demolished me earlier..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | At Tatsuya’s grumbling rebuttal, Yakumo gave a surprised laugh. |
||
| − | "That’s only natural, Tatsuya-kun. I am your master after all, and I had |
||
| − | faced you in an arena where I am dominant. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | You are still fifteen. If I had fallen to someone who’s only half my age, all |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | my disciples would be running out on me." |
||
| − | "I believe Onii-sama should be more honest. It’s rare to be praised by |
||
| − | sensei, so I think you should take this opportunity to laugh proudly." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki was still preaching in her virtuous tone, but her mouth was shaped |
||
| − | in a smile. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...I think that would make me look just a bit like a prick..." |
||
| − | Both Yakumo and Miyuki were laughing happily, and even Tatsuya was |
||
| − | not so stubborn as to not chide himself and join in. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya’s bitter smile changed into wryness, all the severity fading away. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | In general both commuting to work and school is now accomplished via |
||
| − | mini railcars in depots that leave on a systematic schedule. The concept of |
||
| − | the ‘full train’ is a thing of the past. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It’s not just trains, but all major forms of public transportation have |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | undergone drastic changes in the last century. |
||
| − | Large vehicles that accommodate dozens of passengers in designated seats |
||
| − | are no longer used, except in some high speed long haul cases. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | A small vehicle called the Cabinet, which consists of a small linear two or |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | four seat car linked to a central control system, is now mainstream. |
||
| − | Both power and energy is derived from the tracks, so the size is about half |
||
| − | of a self-propelled car of the same capacity. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | People line up sequentially on a platform to board the Cabinets, that derive |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the destination from a ticket or pass, then move off along the tracks. |
||
| − | The tracks are divided into three speeds and there is a traffic control |
||
| − | system that manages the flow of traffic, as well as overseeing the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | transitioning of cars from the slow tracks to the high speed tracks, the shift |
||
| − | from high speed back to slow as the car approaches the destination, and the |
||
| − | docking of the car at the destination platform. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It’s similar to lane changing while on a highway, and such a high density |
||
| − | operation was only made possible thanks to advances in control |
||
| − | technology, as it’s necessary to securely consolidate the running of dozens |
||
| − | of cars that transport the same amount as larger vehicles would have in the |
||
| − | past. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In the case of medium to long haul commutes between cities, Cabinets are |
||
| − | shelved and trailers run on a fourth high speed track instead. The larger |
||
| − | trailers allow the passenger to travel in greater comfort with more |
||
| − | amenities, but these are rarely used in regular commuting. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The romantic clichés of the past, such as the chance meeting on the train, |
||
| − | can no longer occur on the daily commute to school anymore. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In return for not even being able to meet with friends, the threat of the |
||
| − | ‘chikan’ is thoroughly eradicated. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Within the Cabinet there is no security camera or mike. |
||
| − | |||
| − | One cannot leave the seat while the car is moving, and there are |
||
| − | emergency bulkheads that separate the seats. Furthermore, the public |
||
| − | consensus is that privacy is preferred. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The train nowadays has the same privacy as a private car. There are |
||
| − | Cabinets with security measures that seat only one passenger, or one can |
||
| − | ride a two seat car alone (taking a four seat with two or fewer people |
||
| − | incurs a surcharge), but of course, Tatsuya and Miyuki don’t travel |
||
| − | separately, and today they’re commuting to school together as well. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama, the thing is..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya, who was looking at the news via the terminal screen, heard those |
||
| − | hesitant words and looked up in a hurry. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was rare for his sister to speak in such a reluctant manner. It had to be |
||
| − | something bad. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Yesterday evening, I received a call from those people..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Those people? Ahh... by that, did Father do something to anger you |
||
| − | again?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "No, it’s... |
||
| − | |||
| − | Those people, have been vigorously celebrating their daughter’s school |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | admission. And... Onii-sama, have they really...?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Ahh, as you say... it’s the same as always." |
||
| − | |||
| − | At her brother’s words she dropped her face as her features clouded, and in |
||
| − | the next moment the sound of her teeth grinding together in anger could be |
||
| − | heard drifting out from under the long hair that hid her expression. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I see... no matter how you look at it, it was a rather fleeting hope, but in |
||
| − | the end, they didn’t even bother sending an email to Onii-sama... those |
||
| − | people are, those..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Calm down." |
||
| − | |||
| − | As Miyuki struggled against an anger that could not be expressed with |
||
| − | words, Tatsuya who was sitting beside her, took her hands into his firm |
||
| − | grip and gave a squeeze. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The temperature inside the car, that had suddenly plummeted, activated the |
||
| − | heaters out of season, and a warm wind blew throughout the now silent |
||
| − | cabin. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...I’m very sorry. I became upset." |
||
| − | |||
| − | After making sure that the uncontrolled flow of magic had stopped, |
||
| − | Tatsuya let go of Miyuki. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He then clapped lightly while looking into Miyuki’s eyes, and smiled |
||
| − | gently, showing there was nothing wrong. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I ignored Father’s wish of continuing to help with company work and |
||
| − | entered high school. I didn’t expect any congratulations at all. That much |
||
| − | of Father’s nature at least you should understand right?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "For my own parent to act so pathetically childish, it’s infuriating. In the |
||
| − | first place if he wanted to separate me from Onii-sama, he should notify |
||
| − | me and then Aunt first, but he doesn’t even have the courage for that. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In any case, when will they stop thinking they can use Onii-sama however |
||
| − | they please? |
||
| − | |||
| − | Is it not to be expected that a 15 year-old would enter senior high?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | The thought of her Aunt being notified and so forth caused him to recall |
||
| − | severe discomfort — just because someone ordered it, Tatsuya would |
||
| − | never have any intention of leaving Miyuki by herself — but without |
||
| − | bringing that up, Tatsuya’s face unintentionally slipped into a hollow mask |
||
| − | and he gave a cynical laugh. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "There is no compulsory education, so it’s not exactly expected per se. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Both Father and Sayuri-san have approved my coming of age, so I’m sure |
||
| − | they’re simply trying to find a way to make me useful. |
||
| − | If they think they can indebt me like that though, then I’ll also show my |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | true intentions." |
||
| − | "...If you say so, Onii-sama..." |
||
| − | There was considerable reluctance, but Miyuki gave a nod, and Tatsuya |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | breathed a sigh of relief. |
||
| − | Miyuki does not know the full truth of Tatsuya’s involvement with the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Magical Engineer equipment maker, ‘Four Leaves Technology’, where |
||
| − | their father serves as the developmental section chief. |
||
| − | He had made up many things in his spare time, so misinforming her into |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | believing he had a reasonable job was a simple task. |
||
| − | If she knew that in truth he was merely used as a piece of recovery |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | equipment for research samples, it was very possible that she could have |
||
| − | paralyzed the entire transport system. |
||
| − | In spite of his fears, the train moved on steadily as it began the transition |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | onto the slow lane. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | In the first year class E, there was a considerable sense of chaos. In all |
||
| − | probability, a similar scene was playing out throughout the other |
||
| − | classrooms. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Many students met each other just yesterday, and already small groups |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | have formed up here and there chatting away. |
||
| − | With no new acquaintances to greet, Tatsuya was trying to find his own |
||
| − | terminal by eyeing the numbers stamped into each desk when, suddenly |
||
| − | his name was called unexpectedly, he looked up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Morning~!" |
||
| − | Erika’s voice was as vibrant as ever. |
||
| − | "Good morning." |
||
| − | Beside her, Mizuki’s smile was comparatively modest. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | As if they were already on good terms, Erika was seated next to Mizuki |
||
| − | waving her hand. |
||
| − | It seems like they had been talking until they found him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya raised a hand in acknowledgement, then walked over to the pair. |
||
| − | Rather than a coincidence, it seems like they had been sorted |
||
| − | alphabetically. Hence as Shiba and Shibata, Tatsuya was next to Mizuki. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "It seems we’ll be next to each other, pleased to make your acquaintance." |
||
| − | "Yes, I’ll be in your care." |
||
| − | Mizuki answered Tatsuya’s words with a smile. Beside them (or rather, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | above them), Erika had a rather dissatisfied expression, probably on |
||
| − | purpose. |
||
| − | "For some reason, I feel left out?" |
||
| − | Her voice echoed out in a rather incredulous fashion. |
||
| − | However, this level of cuteness was not enough to reach Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Leaving out Chiba-san would be an extremely difficult matter." |
||
| − | His tone and expression deadpan, he looked over at Erika with lidded eyes. |
||
| − | He didn’t seem like he was acting in the least. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...The heck is that supposed to mean?" |
||
| − | "Simply that your sociability knows no bounds." |
||
| − | Despite Erika’s unwavering gaze, Tatsuya’s poker face didn’t flicker an |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | inch. Rather, it was Erika who broke first. |
||
| − | "...Shiba-kun, is actually a bad character?" |
||
| − | As Mizuki fell over laughing, Tatsuya set his ID card into the terminal and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | began an information check. |
||
| − | From course regulations, disciplinary regulations and rules concerning the |
||
| − | use of facilities to admission associated events, automatic activity guides |
||
| − | and the curriculum for the semester, countless flashes of information |
||
| − | scrolled through his head as he operated the terminal with just the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | keyboard, and when he looked up, it was into the face of a male student |
||
| − | looking back at him from the seat in front with wide eyes. |
||
| − | "...It’s not like I have a problem with you watching me, but..." |
||
| − | "Eh? Ahh, my bad. |
||
| − | It’s something pretty rare, so I ended up staring." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Rare?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I’m pretty sure it’s rare now, right? This is the first time I have seen |
||
| − | someone only using keyboard input." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "If you’re experienced, this method is faster. Although between this, visual |
||
| − | pointers, and neural assistance, it’s also the least accurate." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Yeah. The speed is amazing. That should be enough to keep you |
||
| − | comfortable for quite a while right?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "No... possibly a part-time job at best." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "That so...? |
||
| − | |||
| − | Whoa, I haven’t introduced myself yet. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I’m Saijou Leonhart. My father’s a half and my mother’s a quarter, so |
||
| − | while I look Japanese, my name is Western, and my specialty is |
||
| − | Convergent Systematic Reinforcement magic. My desired course is to |
||
| − | hone my body and become either riot police or a mountain corpsman. |
||
| − | |||
| − | You can call me Leo." |
||
| − | |||
| − | For the youth of today, to have a career they're already aspiring to by the |
||
| − | time of high school is generally unusual, but magic high schools are the |
||
| − | exception. The course that magicians (at this stage still eggs, or chicks) |
||
| − | undertake are closely tied to their talent, or rather natural ability. That was |
||
| − | why Tatsuya didn't find Leo's insertion of his hopes for the future in his |
||
| − | self introduction strange at all. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I’m Shiba Tatsuya, but Tatsuya’s just fine." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Ok, Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | So, what magic do you specialize in?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "My practical skills are severely lacking, so I'm planning on becoming a |
||
| − | Magic Engineer." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I see... no wonder you look so smart." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Magic Engineers, or Magic Artificers, are abbreviations for magical |
||
| − | engineering specialists and refer to the ones who coordinate, develop and |
||
| − | manufacture the machinery that amplifies, strengthens and assists with |
||
| − | magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In terms of social standing they are below that of proper magicians, but |
||
| − | their demand in industry is far greater than that of magicians. The income |
||
| − | of a top Magic Artificer can readily surpass that of a top magician. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Because of that, it's not uncommon for those who lack ability in pure |
||
| − | magic to aim for becoming Magic Artificers...... |
||
| − | "Eh, what's this? Shiba-kun, you want to become a Magic Artificer?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Tatsuya, who the heck is this random guy?" |
||
| − | At the sight of Erika bounding up with all the tension of one who's |
||
| − | snooping around for a scoop, Leo pointed and asked with some distaste. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Wha, calling someone a 'random guy' all of a sudden? Not to mention |
||
| − | pointing? How rude, how rude! How absolutely rude! This must be why |
||
| − | you're not popular!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "The hell? The rude one here is you! Just cos you're slightly good looking, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | don't get all stuck up!" |
||
| − | "Looks are very important y'know? Although I suppose someone as sloppy |
||
| − | and wild looking as you wouldn't understand. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | And what's with that slang, that kind of thing is from the wrong century. |
||
| − | Why don't you get with the times~?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Wha, wha, wha..." |
||
| − | Erika had a scornful sneer on her face, while Leo was speechless and |
||
| − | sputtering. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...Erika-chan, please stop. You went a bit far." |
||
| − | "Leo, just drop it. You're both wrong and further arguing will be pointless." |
||
| − | Both Mizuki and Tatsuya intervened, in an attempt to dispel the volatile |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | air. |
||
| − | "...If Mizuki says so." |
||
| − | "...Got it." |
||
| − | The two of them averted their eyes while they turned around. |
||
| − | Tatsuya thought that with their similar strength of mind and unyielding |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | nature, they were actually rather compatible. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | As the first bell rang, the students began to dissipate and make their way |
||
| − | back to their own seats. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This system had not changed from the previous era, although there were |
||
| − | some differences. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The offline terminals all started up automatically, and those that were |
||
| − | already on refreshed their screens. At the same time, a message opened up |
||
| − | on the screen at the front of the class. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "—Orientation begins in five minutes, so please wait at your desk. |
||
| − | Students who have not yet inserted their ID card, please do so as soon as |
||
| − | possible—" |
||
| − | |||
| − | The message was utterly meaningless for Tatsuya. It was just sundry |
||
| − | matters such as registering for classes he had already selected, along with |
||
| − | online guidance and excessive visual effects. Just as he was considering |
||
| − | skipping the whole process and going to browse through the school |
||
| − | reference room, two unexpected things happened. |
||
| − | |||
| − | First, accompanied by the class bell, the door to the classroom opened. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was not a late student. Instead of a uniform, the lady was wearing a suit. |
||
| − | |||
| − | As everyone watched, which wasn't an exaggeration, the beautiful and |
||
| − | moreover exceptionally charming woman went up to the teacher's desk, set |
||
| − | up a large mobile terminal, which she had been carrying under her arm, |
||
| − | and then looked around the classroom. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was not just Tatsuya who was surprised, but the whole class that was |
||
| − | struck with a sense of confusion. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In schools that have adopted online courses, there is no teacher who stands |
||
| − | at the front of the class. Since classes themselves are conducted through |
||
| − | the terminals, there is even less reason to send staff members to classrooms |
||
| − | simply to convey information. The only times the staff console is used in |
||
| − | class is for exceptional circumstances, such as in the case of theory. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, there was nothing to indicate that this woman was a faculty |
||
| − | member. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Alright, it doesn't seem like anyone is absent. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Then first of all, congratulations to everyone for entering the school." |
||
| − | |||
| − | There were quite a few students who returned the bow. In fact, the guy in |
||
| − | the seat in front whom Tatsuya had just met actually answered "Ah, |
||
| − | thanks", but Tatsuya simply tilted his head at her strange behavior. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Firstly, in order to verify attendance, there is no need to look around with |
||
| − | the naked eye. The ID cards in the terminals updated seating status in real |
||
| − | time. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Then, there was no need for school officials to carry around a terminal of |
||
| − | such size. The campus was riddled with Consoles. In fact, there should be |
||
| − | a console monitor built into the teachers desk where she was standing right |
||
| − | now. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Finally, just what was she? From the information gathered, this school did |
||
| − | not use such an outdated system as homeroom teachers, or at least it |
||
| − | certainly wasn't in the prospectus— |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's nice to meet you all. I'm the integration counselor for this school, Ono |
||
| − | Haruka. I'm here to establish a mentoring relationship with each of you in |
||
| − | case any of you feel like you would like counseling in regards to |
||
| − | specialized aspects of your course. |
||
| − | |||
| − | (...Come to think of it, there was something along those lines...) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Having someone to talk to about your concerns, was a concept Tatsuya had |
||
| − | completely skipped over as unnecessary, but the fact was that the |
||
| − | counseling system was one of the selling points of the school. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "There are 16 such counselors in this school. We are grouped in pairs of |
||
| − | men and women, and will be responsible for one class in each grade. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Yanagisawa-sensei and I have been assigned to this class." |
||
| − | |||
| − | At that she stopped talking and operated the console on the teachers desk; |
||
| − | the upper body of a man in his mid thirties was displayed in front of the |
||
| − | class. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Good to meet you, I'm your counselor Yanagisawa. Along with Onosensei, |
||
| − | I will be in charge of looking after you. I hope we will get along." |
||
| − | |||
| − | As the screen projected the image of counselor Yanagisawa, "Ono-sensei" |
||
| − | continued her explanation on the platform. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Counseling is available through the terminals, so you do not have to come |
||
| − | to us directly. Communication is done through quantum encryption, and |
||
| − | the reports are stored via standalone data banks, so everyone's privacy is |
||
| − | secure." |
||
| − | |||
| − | As she said that, Haruka lifted the large data bank book, which Tatsuya |
||
| − | had mistaken for an over-sized mobile terminal. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The school will fully support you all, so that you can each live a fulfilling |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | life as a student to the fullest. |
||
| − | |||
| − | ...As such, everyone, let's work hard together." |
||
| − | |||
| − | She had been speaking in a rather serious voice until now, but at that she |
||
| − | switched her tone, and spoke softly. |
||
| − | |||
| − | All the energy seemed to leak out of the room. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Both tension and relaxation, even able to calculate her body language; her |
||
| − | emotional control was superb. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Although outwardly she appeared young enough to be fresh out of |
||
| − | university, her experience was palpable. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If you spoke to her one-on-one, you could easily end up saying more than |
||
| − | you intended. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Such a quality is important for a counselor, but she seemed to possess |
||
| − | enough to be a female spy. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This is someone to be on guard against, Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | |||
| − | —That feeling only intensified as she turned to the screen in the |
||
| − | background, bowed to her bemused looking senior colleague and cut the |
||
| − | connection. |
||
| − | |||
| − | With a small cough her professional smile returned, and she continued as if |
||
| − | nothing had happened. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "By now, the school curriculum and guides on the facilities should have |
||
| − | been sent to your terminals. After that, you will register for your electives, |
||
| − | and that will be the end of orientation. If there is anything you don't |
||
| − | understand, please use the call button. Those who have already |
||
| − | familiarized themselves with the curriculum and facilities can feel free to |
||
| − | skip guidance and proceed straight to registration." |
||
| − | |||
| − | At this point, Haruka quickly glanced at the monitor on the teacher's desk, |
||
| − | and made an 'oh?' expression. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "For those who have already finished registration as well, it's fine to leave. |
||
| − | However you may not do so after guidance has started, so if you wish to |
||
| − | do so, please leave now. If that's the case, please don't forget your ID |
||
| − | card." |
||
| − | |||
| − | As if waiting for those words, the sound of a chair scraping across the |
||
| − | floor echoed throughout the classroom. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was not Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | The one who stood up was sitting in the front row window seat, just a little |
||
| − | distance away, a slender, nervous-looking boy. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He bowed towards the teacher's desk, then exited into the corridor near the |
||
| − | back of the classroom. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He faced forwards the whole way, looking neither to his left nor right, and |
||
| − | it was rather interesting watching that figure put on a brave face and leave |
||
| − | the classroom proudly, but that was just for a moment. It was not just |
||
| − | Tatsuya, but almost half the class that watched the back of the youth as he |
||
| − | disappeared down the corridor, but soon all eyes were back on their desks. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It didn't seem like anyone else was about to go. Tatsuya did not want to |
||
| − | leave so much that he was willing to risk all those stares as well. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Returning to the task at hand, Tatsuya placed his hands over the keyboard |
||
| − | and considered things to do to kill time, when he sensed a glance and |
||
| − | looked up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | From the other side of the teacher's desk, Haruka was watching him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even as they locked eyes she didn't look away, but went on to flash him a |
||
| − | smile. |
||
| − | |||
| − | (What was that...) |
||
| − | |||
| − | As if even noticing that, Haruka's smile broadened. It wasn't for any length |
||
| − | of time, rather so short and discreet that no other student noticed, but |
||
| − | nonetheless carried an exaggeratedly secretive air. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He was certain that this was their first ever meeting. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Yet it was notably beyond a fake smile, so Tatsuya vigorously went |
||
| − | through his memories. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Thanks to that, he killed plenty of time but... |
||
| − | |||
| − | (You should relax... was that the meaning behind it? Or is she trying to |
||
| − | take away my composure... |
||
| − | |||
| − | I won't even consider the possibility that she's come to a classroom in a |
||
| − | school without teachers to try to hit on students...) |
||
| − | |||
| − | As he considered, he didn't follow the other students who had finished |
||
| − | registration out of the class, but rather stayed in his seat pondering with |
||
| − | interest. Then someone spoke up in a friendly tone. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Tatsuya, what are you going to do until lunch?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | When he lifted his head, a voice rang out from the seat in front. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | As if it were his signature pose, Leo was resting his chin on his arms |
||
| − | crossed over his chair in the exact same position as earlier. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It is no longer customary, at both junior and senior high school, to eat in |
||
| − | the classroom. Despite advancements in both waterproofing and dustproofing |
||
| − | technology, information terminals remain precision instruments. |
||
| − | If you end up doing something like accidentally spilling soup all over one, |
||
| − | a rather miserable outcome is to be expected. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It'd be better to find a more suitable place somewhere, like the cafeteria, |
||
| − | courtyard, rooftop or club room. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Although it was one more hour until the cafeteria opened. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I had been planning to go look through the reference room catalog from |
||
| − | here but... OK, I'll accompany you." |
||
| − | |||
| − | At Tatsuya's reply Leo had mumbled dejectedly, but his eyes shone bright |
||
| − | with enthusiasm. Tatsuya smiled at Leo's easy to read expressions. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Then, what are you going to look at?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Magic is not taught in public schools until junior high. For children with |
||
| − | the aptitude of a magician, public cram schools after school are the |
||
| − | foundations of their magic knowledge. This step is not to look for technical |
||
| − | skill, but to determine for both themselves and their parents whether they |
||
| − | have enough raw talent to make it as a magician. |
||
| − | |||
| − | While some private schools incorporate forms of magical education as |
||
| − | extra curricular activities, it is stressed that they are by no means a |
||
| − | reflection of magic performance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Magic begins as a full-fledged education from the senior high school |
||
| − | curriculum onward. Although among the magic high schools, the First high |
||
| − | school is considered the most difficult to enter, there are many students |
||
| − | who come from ordinary junior high schools. There are classes on |
||
| − | specialized magic courses that some of the students have never seen |
||
| − | before. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In order to alleviate confusion stemming from unfamiliarity with some of |
||
| − | the specialized courses, they have the opportunity to go and observe |
||
| − | classes in progress both today and tomorrow. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Wanna go to the workshop?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | This was Leo's reply to Tatsuya's question. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Not the arena?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Taken aback by Tatsuya's next question, Leo grinned. |
||
| − | "I guess I would seem to be the type. |
||
| − | Well, you're not wrong." |
||
| − | Although not looking down on his intellectual ability as he did pass the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | entrance exams, the fact remains that this guy has a more 'lively outdoors' |
||
| − | look to him, or rather, a mischievous air. Most likely it wouldn't have just |
||
| − | been Tatsuya who felt he was more suited to the action of the arena than |
||
| − | fiddling with precision machinery in the workshop. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Listening to Leo's next words however, Tatsuya admitted his mistake. |
||
| − | "Reinforcement magic produces the greatest effect when combined with |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | weapon skill. I want to be able to maintain my own weapons as much as |
||
| − | possible." |
||
| − | Leo's ambitions were the mountain corps or riot police. If those ambitions |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | were realized, he'd have many opportunities to use simple weapons such as |
||
| − | batons, shields, machetes, etc. Those are all compatible with reinforcement |
||
| − | magic, and depending on the composition of the materials used, will |
||
| − | produce different effects. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | This classmate seems to have a far firmer grasp of what he is capable of |
||
| − | than he looks. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "If you're going to the workshop, why don't you come with us?" |
||
| − | While the two of them talked, they received a sudden proposal from the |
||
| − | seats next to them. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Shibata-san's also going to the workshop?" |
||
| − | "Yes... I also want to be a Magic Artificer." |
||
| − | "Ah, I see!" |
||
| − | Erika was barging in all over Mizuki. It was a rather similar pattern to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | what had happened earlier, but Leo's face remained neutral. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "However you look at it, you're far more suited for physical courses. Go |
||
| − | check out the arena." |
||
| − | "I don't want to be told that by a wild animal like you." |
||
| − | Tit for tat. |
||
| − | "What was that? You didn't even hesitate in the slightest!" |
||
| − | The quarrel between them possessed the breakneck quality of a typing |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | keyboard. |
||
| − | "Stop it both of you... You've only just met today right?" |
||
| − | Their compatibility really is quite something, isn't it? Tatsuya thought, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | while attempting to arbitrate with a sigh, but the two weren't about to be so |
||
| − | easily stopped. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Heh, you must be a bitter enemy from some previous life." |
||
| − | "You were some bear ravaging the fields, and I was the hunter hired to get |
||
| − | rid of you." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Alright, let's go! We're wasting time." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Mizuki had up to now patiently been refraining from interrupting, but now |
||
| − | she finally weighed in and tried to forcibly change the course. |
||
| − | "Yeah! If we don't hurry, we'll be the only ones left in the classroom." |
||
| − | Immediately, Tatsuya also jumped in. With their rapid-fire argument |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | interrupted, both Leo and Erika glared daggers at each other, then |
||
| − | immediately spun around and turned their backs. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | As early as the second day of admission, there were some students who |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | began to take action. |
||
| − | Tatsuya didn't know whether to think of it as too quick or just par for the |
||
| − | course. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | All he knew was that if it came to a confrontation or backing down, it |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | would most likely be the former. |
||
| − | Both Erika and Leo were bright and optimistic, and Mizuki seemed shy yet |
||
| − | carefree. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | While fully aware of his own inclination towards cynicism and moodiness, |
||
| − | Tatsuya considered himself fortunate that his first friends in high school |
||
| − | were them. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | However, most likely is not 100%. |
||
| − | There had remained about 10-20%. |
||
| − | It was nice they hadn't backed down servilely, but how would this turn |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | out? Tatsuya was keenly contemplating the matter. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Onii-sama..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki was lightly grasping the hem of Tatsuya's uniform with her |
||
| − | fingertips, and her face as she looked up at her brother was a mixture of |
||
| − | anxiety and embarrassment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Don't apologize, Miyuki. You aren't at fault in the least." |
||
| − | |||
| − | In order to give strength to his sister, Tatsuya replied in a firm tone. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Yes, but... will you stop them?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...That'd be counterproductive." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...You're right. Still, putting Erika aside, for Mizuki to have that kind of |
||
| − | personality was...unexpected." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...I agree." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Watching from a step back — or in other words, directly in front of the |
||
| − | siblings, was a group of new students glaring at each other with a volatile |
||
| − | atmosphere simmering between them. One group was comprised of some |
||
| − | of Miyuki's classmates, and the other was, needless to say, Mizuki, Erika, |
||
| − | and Leo. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The first act was in the dining hall during lunch. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The dining hall of the First high school was considerably larger than the |
||
| − | cafeteria found in most other high schools, but as the new students were |
||
| − | still rather unaware and unsure, this time of year was generally crowded. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, as the four of them had left the visit of the specialist classes |
||
| − | early and came to the dining hall, they had secured a four seat table |
||
| − | without any trouble. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was a four seat but due to the facing benches, they'd probably be able to |
||
| − | squeeze three of the more slender girls on one side. |
||
| − | |||
| − | When they were about halfway through their meals (Leo had finished |
||
| − | eating already), Miyuki had arrived surrounded by a group of male and |
||
| − | female students, spotted Tatsuya, and rapidly made a beeline for him. The |
||
| − | dispute started from there. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki had tried to eat together with Tatsuya. It wasn't that she was the |
||
| − | type who would refuse to interact with her classmates, but simply that, for |
||
| − | Miyuki, the top priority partner would always be Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Only one more person could fit at the table. Whether to choose her |
||
| − | classmates or Tatsuya was a matter Miyuki didn't even consider. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | However, Miyuki's classmates, especially the boys, were of course striving |
||
| − | to sit with her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | They had started off pretending to be polite saying things like "it's pretty |
||
| − | cramped" and "sorry to be a bother", but seeing Miyuki's unwavering |
||
| − | determination, had gone on to say that it was unsuitable for a first course |
||
| − | student to share a table with second course students considering the gap |
||
| − | between them, and ended up telling Leo who had finished eating that he |
||
| − | was to vacate his seat. |
||
| − | |||
| − | At this selfish display of supreme arrogance, both Erika and Leo were on |
||
| − | the verge of exploding. Tatsuya finished his meal in a hurry, talked with |
||
| − | Leo and the still-eating Mizuki and Erika, then stood up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki had soundlessly apologized to Tatsuya and the others, before |
||
| − | walking past the vacated seat to stand by her brother. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The second act had been the afternoon visit to a specialist class. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In the remote precision magic laboratory otherwise known as the 'shooting |
||
| − | range', a practical class was being carried out by 3rd year class A. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was the class of the Student President, Saegusa Mayumi. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The student council was not necessarily chosen by grades, but the |
||
| − | president this term was a once in a decade prodigy in remote precision |
||
| − | magic, and had brought countless trophies to the school. |
||
| − | |||
| − | That was something even the freshmen had heard. |
||
| − | |||
| − | They had also confirmed the rumor of her coquettish nature at the entrance |
||
| − | ceremony. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There were many students packed around the range trying to get a look at |
||
| − | her skill, but the number who could visit was limited. Due to that, among |
||
| − | the numerous ostensible reservists for first course and second course |
||
| − | students, Tatsuya and co. had grandly camped up at the front row. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Naturally, he had been unwilling to stand out. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Then during the third act, in progress this very moment, Mizuki caustically |
||
| − | spat out. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Won't you all stop being such poor losers? Miyuki-san has said she |
||
| − | wishes to go with her brother. It's not the place of anyone of you to say |
||
| − | otherwise is it?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Her opponent was a student from class A. It was the guy they had seen in |
||
| − | the dining hall during the break. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Concerning the circumstances, after school, Tatsuya had been waiting for |
||
| − | Miyuki, whose accompanying classmates had started to accuse. By the |
||
| − | way, those classmates were girls. Obviously there was also a flock of male |
||
| − | students in the vicinity (of Miyuki) who had started silent at first, but that |
||
| − | restraint had already been lost and all decency rapidly followed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Hasn't Miyuki treated you guys well enough already? If she wanted to go |
||
| − | with you, she would have said so. What right do you have to try and tear |
||
| − | those two apart?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The one who had lashed out first at the unreasonable behavior of the first |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | course students was, surprisingly, Mizuki. |
||
| − | While maintaining her polite demeanor, she slammed into them |
||
| − | mercilessly. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Even now as Mizuki argued against the first course student, her eloquence |
||
| − | didn't give an inch. |
||
| − | Yes, everything had started out perfectly logically, but... |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I have to admit though, to say that they're trying to tear us apart..." |
||
| − | Tatsuya muttered under his breath. He distinctly felt that something was |
||
| − | shifting rather decisively. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Mi-Mizuki, aren't you misunderstanding something?" |
||
| − | Hearing her brother's murmurs, Miyuki for some reason asked in a hurry. |
||
| − | "Miyuki... you seem kinda rushed?" |
||
| − | "Eh? No, I'm no such thing?" |
||
| − | "And also kinda forceful?" |
||
| − | Initially glancing at the siblings with the too good relationship in |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | confusion, their friends, full of compassion, began to heat up more and |
||
| − | more. |
||
| − | "We've asked her!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | That was one of Miyuki's male classmates. |
||
| − | "That's right! We're sorry for Shiba-san, but we just want a little more |
||
| − | time!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | That was one of Miyuki's female classmates. |
||
| − | At their selfishness, Leo gave a hearty laugh. |
||
| − | "Ha! That's just self-justification. Find a better time for it." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Erika also retorted with a smile and edged sarcasm. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "If you really had asked, maybe you would've had her consent from the |
||
| − | start? |
||
| − | You've ignored Miyuki's intentions and didn't consult her or anything. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | There're rules for that. You're high school students already, don't you know |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | anything?" |
||
| − | Erika's words and attitude, designed to purposely offend the other party, as |
||
| − | expected, affected one male student in particular. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Shut up! Another class, much less Weeds, has no right to interfere in |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | matters concerning us Blooms!" |
||
| − | Due to its discriminatory nature, the use of the word 'Weed' is prohibited |
||
| − | by school regulations. It is a rule still gradually being learned, but even so |
||
| − | it's not exactly a word to be used in this context with so many people |
||
| − | listening. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The one who reacted to this rant head-on was, whether to say unexpected |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | or to be expected (probably 'to be expected' really), was again Mizuki. |
||
| − | "We are all the same freshmen. You guys are Blooms, but right now just |
||
| − | how are you any better than us?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It wasn't particularly loud, but Mizuki's voice rang out through the |
||
| − | schoolyard. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...Well." |
||
| − | Thing's are going to get pretty bad, Tatsuya thought, while sighing under |
||
| − | his breath. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | His murmur was drowned out by the angry howls of the first course |
||
| − | students, and only Miyuki who was beside him heard. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...If you want to know just how much better, I can show you." |
||
| − | Although Mizuki's claim was legitimate according to school regulations, at |
||
| − | the same time, it was refuted by the school system. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Hah, interesting! By all means, show us!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | At the first course student's threat, Leo responded aggressively. Having |
||
| − | come to this, no outcome other than 'tit for tat' could be expected. |
||
| − | The right lay with Mizuki. |
||
| − | Because they understood that full well, those complacent with the current |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | system, both staff and students alike, stood aside. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Though there had been a clear violation of the rules here, the vast majority |
||
| − | would ignore their situation and pretend to have seen nothing. |
||
| − | Even if the violation was not only of the school rules, but the law itself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Then I will!" |
||
| − | The only ones allowed to carry a CAD in the school were senior members |
||
| − | of the student council and certain committee members. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The use of magic off campus was tightly regulated by law. |
||
| − | However, the mere possession of CAD off campus was not restricted. |
||
| − | There would be no point. |
||
| − | CADs are currently indispensable tools for magicians, but they are not |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | essential for the use of magic. Magic can be used even without a CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Therefore, the law does not restrict the mere possession of a CAD. |
||
| − | The procedure for students who possessed CADs was to leave them at the |
||
| − | office before classes started, and to pick them up upon returning home. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | So it was not surprising for students to have CADs on the way back from |
||
| − | school. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "A specialized CAD?" |
||
| − | However, if they were directed at fellow students, then it would become a |
||
| − | situation... no, an emergency. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Especially if the aimed CAD was an attack power emphasizing specialized |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | type. |
||
| − | The two types of CAD are general and specialized. The general type |
||
| − | placing a larger burden on the user but capable of a wide range of up to 99 |
||
| − | activation sequences, while the specialized type is only able to contain up |
||
| − | to nine activation sequences but possesses subsystems able to reduce the |
||
| − | load on the user, making it possible to invoke magic faster. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | By its nature, aggressive combat type magic sequences are generally |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | stored in specialized CAD. |
||
| − | To the BGM of screaming onlookers, the 'muzzle' of that specialized CAD, |
||
| − | shaped like a small handgun, was thrust at Leo. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | That student wasn't just spouting lip service. |
||
| − | The finesse with which he drew his CAD, along with the speed with which |
||
| − | he took aim, were the movements of someone accustomed to fights |
||
| − | between magicians. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | A large portion of magic is dependent on talent. |
||
| − | At the same time, that means lineage plays a vital role. |
||
| − | There are many first course students who enter school with excellent |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | results not as a result of studying magic at school but because of parents, |
||
| − | family business, possibly even gaining combat experience from there. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama!" |
||
| − | Even before Miyuki had finished her cry, Tatsuya's right hand stretched |
||
| − | out. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | There was no way he could reach, but he reached anyway. Was it |
||
| − | meaningful, or was it just a meaningless reflexive action. |
||
| − | Whatever it was, in this case, nothing came of it. |
||
| − | That was because— |
||
| − | "Eek!" |
||
| − | That scream came from the first course student aiming his CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The handgun CAD had been knocked from his hand. |
||
| − | Before their eyes, casually swinging a baton that had suddenly appeared |
||
| − | from somewhere, in a relaxed manner, Erika was smiling. There was no |
||
| − | trembling or hastiness in that smile. Just by looking at that confident |
||
| − | alertness, you could tell there was no such thing from the beginning. If the |
||
| − | same situation had occurred 100 times, the first course student's CAD |
||
| − | would have gone flying 100 times. That was a certainty. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "At this distance, the body moves faster." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I agree, but you were planning on whacking my hand as well, weren't |
||
| − | you?" |
||
| − | The one replying as Erika relaxed her guard and triumphantly explained |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | was Leo, whose hands were frozen in the midst of a grab for the other's |
||
| − | CAD. |
||
| − | "A~ra, I wouldn't do something like that." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Don't laugh it off so unnaturally like that!" |
||
| − | As Erika put the back of the hand holding the baton to her mouth and gave |
||
| − | off an 'ohohohoho', her deceptive laughter hiding her real intentions, Leo |
||
| − | was nearing the end of his patience. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "I'm serious. Whether you were going to engage or not, I can tell from |
||
| − | your stance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | You seem like an idiot, but your arm speaks otherwise," |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...Are you making fun of me? You're making fun of me right to my face?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "That's why I said you look like an idiot right?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Forgetting the 'enemy' before them, as the two engaged in another comical |
||
| − | confrontation, not only Miyuki and Tatsuya were taken aback but everyone |
||
| − | else as well, but the one who recovered fastest was Miyuki's classmate |
||
| − | who was facing them. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It wasn't the male student whose specialized CAD had been knocked away, |
||
| − | it was the female student behind who was running her fingers across her |
||
| − | bracelet shaped general CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The inbuilt system started up, and began an activation sequence. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The activation sequence is a blueprint of magic, a program that directs the |
||
| − | construction of a magic ritual. |
||
| − | |||
| − | After expansion, the expanded activation sequence is read by the magic |
||
| − | processing area of the subconscious and variables such as coordinates, |
||
| − | output, and duration are inputted, the result is inserted alongside the |
||
| − | activation sequence and gives rise to the completed magic ritual. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This complete magic ritual is taken from the operations area of the |
||
| − | subconscious and transferred to the lowest level of the conscious, the 'root', |
||
| − | from the area between the conscious and the subconscious, the 'gate', |
||
| − | whereupon it can be projected upon the outside world, as the magic ritual |
||
| − | projects and targets 'information events' — in the study of modern magic, |
||
| − | these are named 'Eidos' from Greek philosophy, and refers to the event |
||
| − | where the information of the target is temporarily overwritten. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Information is associated with events. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If the information is rewritten, the event will be rewritten. |
||
| − | |||
| − | As the nature of phenomena is written in Psions, modifications to these |
||
| − | will result in real world events being temporarily modified as well. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This is the magic system under the use of CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The speed with which Psions are written is the processing power of magic, |
||
| − | the scale to which they can be built is the capacity of magic, and the |
||
| − | strength with which magic rituals can rewrite the Eidos is interference |
||
| − | strength. Currently, these three comprehensively are called magic power. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Even the blueprint for the magic ritual, the activation sequence, is a type of |
||
| − | Psion. However, the activation sequence alone cannot affect reality. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The Psions processed by the user would simply scramble then return. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Broadly speaking, this is the function of CADs, to take the Psions initially |
||
| − | provided by the activation sequence, and form them into Psions the |
||
| − | magician can use to rewrite phenomena: the magic ritual. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Specialized CAD are often shaped in the form of guns because using the |
||
| − | auxiliary aiming systems incorporated in the area corresponding to the |
||
| − | barrel, coordinate data is input at the moment the activation sequence is |
||
| − | initiated, and in order to reduce the calculation load on the user, Psions |
||
| − | aren't emitted from the muzzle. |
||
| − | |||
| − | From magician to CAD, then CAD back to magician. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If this flow of Psions is disrupted, then magic dependent on CADs will no |
||
| − | longer work. |
||
| − | |||
| − | For example, if during calculation or expansion a load of Psions are fired |
||
| − | from outside, the Psion pattern of the activation ritual will be scrambled, |
||
| − | disallowing the building of an effective magic ritual and erasing the magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Like now. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Stop right there! Using attack magic on others for any reason other than |
||
| − | self-defense is not just a violation of school rules, it's a criminal offense!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | The expanding activation sequence of the female student was shattered by |
||
| − | a bullet of Psions. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Releasing a Psion bullet, while in itself the simplest form of magic, |
||
| − | requires extremely precise control in order to destroy just the activation |
||
| − | sequence and avoid any extraneous damage, and shows superb skill on the |
||
| − | part of the user. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Upon recognizing the owner of that voice, the female student who was |
||
| − | intent on attacking Erika and company became pale, and not as a result of |
||
| − | the magic. She fell into another female student, and they collapsed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The one who gave the warning, and had fired the Psion bullet, was the |
||
| − | Student Council president, Saegusa Mayumi. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Her — as far as Tatsuya had seen — ever-smiling face, even now, did not |
||
| − | have much severity in it. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However in the eyes of someone capable in magic, her small figure was |
||
| − | wrapped in an aura of Psion light far beyond that of ordinary mages, |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | giving her an inviolable air of dignity. |
||
| − | "You are students from 1A and 1E aren't you. |
||
| − | I will hear you out. Please come along." |
||
| − | A hard, even cold voice, came from the girl next to Mayumi. According to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the introduction of the Student Council during the entrance ceremony she |
||
| − | was the 3rd year Public Moral Chief, Watanabe Mari. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Mari's CAD held an already deployed and expanded activation sequence. |
||
| − | It was not difficult to imagine what any form of resistance here would lead |
||
| − | to. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Leo, Mizuki, and Miyuki's classmates, without a word, stiffened up. |
||
| − | Moving not out of rebellion, stepping up next to his classmates frozen by |
||
| − | the atmosphere, without a trace of haughtiness or pride, neither downcast |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | nor timid, Tatsuya walked with an even measured gait, followed by |
||
| − | Miyuki, to stand before Mari. |
||
| − | Mari cast a quizzical glance at these first years who had suddenly come |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | striding up. |
||
| − | To Mari, these two had not seemed like involved parties. |
||
| − | Tatsuya took her gaze without flinching, and stopped a respectable |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | distance from her. |
||
| − | "We're sorry, the prank went too far." |
||
| − | "Prank?" |
||
| − | At those unexpected words, Mari's eyebrows arched up. |
||
| − | "Yes. |
||
| − | Morisaki's quick-draw is famed, so I asked him to give a demonstration for |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | future reference, but it became too lifelike and got out of hand." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The student who had confronted Leo with his CAD opened his eyes wide |
||
| − | with surprise. |
||
| − | While the other first years were at a loss for words, Mari glanced at the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | baton in Erika's hand, the pistol shaped device lying on the ground, then |
||
| − | after giving the two students who had tried to illegally use their CADs a |
||
| − | bloodcurdling look, turned back to Tatsuya with a cold smile. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Then why did that girl from 1A try to use attack magic?" |
||
| − | "She was taken by surprise. Being able to start up activation processes as a |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | conditioned reflex is truly worthy of a first course student." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | His expression as he answered was deadpan, although his voice was |
||
| − | somewhat shameless. |
||
| − | "Your friends were about to be attacked by magic, but you still insist it was |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | a prank?" |
||
| − | "Even if you call it an attack, all she intended to fire was a flash of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | blinding magic. It wasn't on a level where it could have caused blindness |
||
| − | or impairment." |
||
| − | Again, there was a collective intake of breath. |
||
| − | The sneer turned into admiration. |
||
| − | "Hoou... it seems you're somehow able to read the activation sequence |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | before it's deployed." |
||
| − | The activation ritual is a large block of data for building a magic ritual. |
||
| − | Mages can intuitively guess what kind of effect the ritual would have. |
||
| − | By looking at how the magic ritual would interfere with the Eidos, and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | what parts wouldn't be affected, it's possible to read and attempt a guess at |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the effect the magic ritual would have. |
||
| − | However the activation sequence alone is simply a chunk of data, |
||
| − | representing a massive amount of information, and even the magician |
||
| − | deploying it can only dynamically interact with it in the subconscious. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Therefore, the act of reading the activation sequence requires the |
||
| − | enumeration of endless strings of image data, then reproducing an image |
||
| − | from those in your head. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Normally, such things cannot be done in the consciousness. |
||
| − | "I'm no good at practicals, but I'm confident in my analyses." |
||
| − | As if it was nothing, Tatsuya dismissed that insane skill with the one word, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | 'analyses'. |
||
| − | "...Your misinformation skills are also quite something." |
||
| − | Her look was something in between an appraisal and a glare. |
||
| − | The person who stepped up to protect her brother bearing the brunt of the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | investigation, Miyuki, came forward. |
||
| − | "As my brother said, this was all really just a misunderstanding. |
||
| − | We are very sorry for bothering you all, senpai." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Without the slightest deceit, she gave a deep bow, and as if the miasma |
||
| − | was dispelled Mari looked away. |
||
| − | "Mari, it's fine already. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya-kun, that really was just a demonstration right?" |
||
| − | When did she start calling him by name? Tatsuya thought, but he couldn't |
||
| − | refuse the timely help from Mayumi. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | As he nodded with the same deadpan expression he had used up to now, |
||
| − | Mayumi gave a somewhat triumphant — it was like she was saying 'loan~' |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | — looking smile. |
||
| − | "It is not prohibited for students to teach each other, but in terms of |
||
| − | exercising magic, you are prohibited from executing it. |
||
| − | This is taught in the first semester in the classroom. |
||
| − | In terms of self studying the exercise of magic, it's probably best to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | refrain." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Returning to her grave look after Mayumi finished her inspirational |
||
| − | speech, Mari also gave a word on the matter. |
||
| − | "...Since the President has said so, I will refrain this time. I don't want |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | there to be a second time." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Without looking like bitter enemies, together they straightened and gave a |
||
| − | bow. Mari turned around. |
||
| − | But after one step, she stopped and asked a question with her back to them. |
||
| − | "Your name?" |
||
| − | As her head turned, Tatsuya's appearance was reflected in her long narrow |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | eyes. |
||
| − | "First year class E, Shiba Tatsuya." |
||
| − | "I'll remember that." |
||
| − | Holding back his tongue just before he almost instinctively let slip a 'no |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | problem', Tatsuya swallowed a sigh. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...Don't think I owe you anything." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | After the officials had gone out of sight, the one who had acted first, in |
||
| − | other words the first course student whom Tatsuya had protected, glared at |
||
| − | Tatsuya and said as much in the same thorny voice. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya's expression had a rather 'ah man' look to it. |
||
| − | All his friends had a face similar to his. |
||
| − | Relieved that this normally needlessly excited character wouldn't play up |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | here at least, Tatsuya returned the gaze of the course A student who |
||
| − | suddenly grew a spine. |
||
| − | "I don't think that at all, so don't worry. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | What got you off wasn't my glib tongue but rather Miyuki's sincerity." |
||
| − | "I came along because even though Onii-sama is good at talking people |
||
| − | down, he has problems convincing them." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Indeed." |
||
| − | His artificial look of reproach faded, replaced by a wry smile. |
||
| − | "...My name is Morisaki Shun. As you thought, I am of the Morisaki |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | house." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Seeing the warm banter between the siblings, his hostility faded somewhat, |
||
| − | and he gave his name. |
||
| − | "I'm just saying it's not really that much of a big deal. |
||
| − | I've seen plenty of practical examples in visual materials." |
||
| − | "Ah, now that you mention it, I think I've seen them before too." |
||
| − | "You only just remembered it now didn't you. As I thought, Tatsuya's on a |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | different level to you." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "How patronizing. An idiot who tried to grab a Houki in the midst of |
||
| − | activation has no business talking about levels." |
||
| − | "Ah? Who're you calling an idiot, idiot?" |
||
| − | "Uhm... that really is dangerous. Psions produced by another magician's |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | activation ritual would cause a rejection by your own subconscious..." |
||
| − | "What she said. Got it?" |
||
| − | "Erika-chan too all right? Don't use your hands directly, you'd receive the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | interference 1000 fold." |
||
| − | "It's fine. This is shielded." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | As the talk between his friends, meaningful in it's own way, finally shifted |
||
| − | back in their direction, Tatsuya and Morisaki shared a glance without |
||
| − | moving. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I still don't acknowledge you, Shiba Tatsuya. Shiba-san's place should be |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | with us." |
||
| − | On that note without waiting for Tatsuya's reply, Morisaki left. He |
||
| − | probably said it precisely because it was a line that didn't bear an answer, |
||
| − | something his opponent was fully aware of. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Suddenly calling me by my full name huh." |
||
| − | As Tatsuya muttered to himself at a volume just loud enough to hear, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Morisaki gave an involuntary shudder. His obstinacy was unlikely to stop |
||
| − | there. However, it seemed likely his pride was a part of his nature. |
||
| − | Beside him, hearing his murmur, Miyuki seemed disquieted. She had |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | always been worried that her brother's knack for making enemies was a |
||
| − | disadvantage for him. |
||
| − | But more than that, she had had enough of Morisaki's prejudices. |
||
| − | "Onii-sama, shall we head back?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Yeah, you're right. Leo, Chiba-san, Shibata-san, let's go." |
||
| − | Sharing a feeling of mental fatigue, the two of them nodded at the others, |
||
| − | and began to leave. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | As if to cut them off, to make things worse, a pair of class A girls stood in |
||
| − | their way, but their body language clearly indicated they didn't intend to do |
||
| − | any more today. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Exchanging looks with Miyuki, the moment dragged on. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Understanding her brother's intent, Miyuki was about to bid them farewell, |
||
| − | but then the other opened her mouth. |
||
| − | "I'm Mitsui Honoka. I'm sorry for saying all those things earlier." |
||
| − | She suddenly bowed, fully honest, and Tatsuya was rather embarrassed. |
||
| − | This girl, who earlier wasn't hiding her elitism to say the least, seemed to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | have gone about a complete turnaround. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Thank you for protecting me. Morisaki-kun waved it off, but it's thanks to |
||
| − | Onii-san that it didn't become a huge issue." |
||
| − | "...It was nothing. Although, please stop with the Onii-san. We're same |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | year students." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "I understand. Then, what should I call you..." |
||
| − | A fierce conviction blazed in her eyes. |
||
| − | It'd be nice if this didn't become troublesome, he thought, as he took care |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | to reply in a manner that didn't come out displeased. |
||
| − | "Tatsuya is fine." |
||
| − | "...Alright. |
||
| − | And so, um..." |
||
| − | "...What is it?" |
||
| − | At the rapid eye contact, Miyuki stood before Honoka. |
||
| − | "...Is it alright to go together with you to the station?" |
||
| − | Nervously, but with a determined conviction hidden in her face, Honoka |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | asked to accompany them. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | With a sense of surprise not so much at Honoka's words but the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | unexpectedness of the whole thing, Erika and Mizuki shared a look. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Though even then those two, plus Leo and of course the siblings Miyuki |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | and Tatsuya, had no reason to refuse, and indeed didn't refuse. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | There was a delicate air on the way back to the station. |
||
| − | The members were Tatsuya, Mizuki, Erika, and Leo from class E, along |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | with Miyuki, Honoka, and Kitayama Shizuku from class A, the girl who |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | had caught Honoka during Mayumi's appearance earlier. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Next to Tatsuya was Miyuki, then for some strange reason, on the other |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | side was Honoka. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...Then, the one who assists with Miyuki-san's adjustments is Tatsuya |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | san?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Yes. I feel most at ease when entrusting things to Onii-sama." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In response to Honoka's question, Miyuki answered proudly. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I just do a bit of arranging. Miyuki has amazing processing ability, so |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | there's not much maintenance required on the part of the CAD." |
||
| − | "Even so, if you only have the knowledge to simply understand the device |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | OS you can't do much." |
||
| − | Peering out from beside Miyuki was Mizuki, who joined in the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | conversation. Judging from Tatsuya's light smile as he replied, it wasn't |
||
| − | really effective. |
||
| − | "I don't have the skill to access the CAD core systems. That's too much." |
||
| − | "Tatsuya-kun, could you also look over my CAD?" |
||
| − | Looking back, Leo and Erika. |
||
| − | The reason Erika changed her way of referring to Tatsuya from 'Shiba-kun' |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | to 'Tatsuya-kun' was because Mitsui-san called him that so it's fine, she had |
||
| − | unilaterally declared. In exchange, you can just call me Erika as well, she |
||
| − | had imposed conditionally. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Naturally, Mizuki also insisted on the trade, and everything became |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | official pretty fast. |
||
| − | "Impossible. I have no faith in my ability to handle such a specialized |
||
| − | CAD." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Ah ha, you really are quite something, Tatsuya-kun." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It was hard to tell if Tatsuya was being serious or just humble, but Erika's |
||
| − | reaction was simple praise. |
||
| − | "Why?" |
||
| − | "You realized this was my CAD." |
||
| − | At Tatsuya's question, Erika laughed merrily while twirling the retracted |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | baton by the strap attached to the handle. |
||
| − | However, there was a glint in her eye that went beyond a simple smile. |
||
| − | "Eh? That baton's a device?" |
||
| − | Sure enough, as if right on cue, Mizuki's eyes went round with surprise, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | and Erika just gave two quick nods in satisfaction. |
||
| − | "Thank you for your normal reaction, Mizuki. |
||
| − | If everyone had already noticed, I would've face-planted." |
||
| − | Listening to that exchange, Leo inquired further. |
||
| − | "...Where is the system built in? From the feeling earlier, it's not totally |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | hollow is it?" |
||
| − | "No luck. Apart from the handle it's totally hollow. It increases strength by |
||
| − | using the technique of carving seals into it. Reinforcement magic is your |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | field isn't it?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...The technique takes a geometric pattern and engraves it into a sensitive |
||
| − | alloy, which activates by injecting Psions, right? |
||
| − | If you do that, wouldn't it bleed a considerable amount of Psions? You'd |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | run out of gas pretty often wouldn't you? |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Carved seals are pretty inefficient in the first place, so I thought it's not a |
||
| − | technique used very often nowadays." |
||
| − | At Leo's points, Erika's eyes widened a little in both surprise and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | admiration. |
||
| − | "Ooh, your field indeed. |
||
| − | But there's one more thing. |
||
| − | Strengthening is only needed during expansion and the moment of impact. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | If I limit Psion emission to those moments, I don't waste too much. |
||
| − | It's the same principle as the helm splitter. ...eh, what happened guys?" |
||
| − | As a blend of admiration and shock filled the air, Erika asked that |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | question, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Erika... I'm pretty sure something like helm splitter was classified as a |
||
| − | secret or mystery technique. |
||
| − | That's far more amazing than merely emitting large amounts of Psion." |
||
| − | Miyuki answered on behalf of everyone. |
||
| − | It was pointed out rather casually. |
||
| − | Judging by Erika's expression, she was startled. |
||
| − | "Both Tatsuya-kun and Miyuki-san are amazing, but Erika-chan is also |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | amazing... |
||
| − | Are normal people rare at our high school?" |
||
| − | "I don't think there are any normal people in a magic high school." |
||
| − | At Mizuki's natural remark, Kitayama Shizuku, silent until now, dropped a |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | supremely precise retort, and the core of the matter disappeared in various |
||
| − | ways. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Chapter 3 |
||
| − | |||
| − | As the sign "First High School" obviously stated, this station was a |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | mandatory stop for all attending students. |
||
| − | There was practically only one path between the train station and the |
||
| − | school. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Due to the changes to the trams and their decrease in number, the event |
||
| − | known as "riding the tram together" might be more accurately changed to |
||
| − | "walking to school with friends". For this school, this event is still quite |
||
| − | common. Indeed, this event could be seen many times yesterday, the day |
||
| − | after commencement, today, and has continued since the beginning. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Although it might not be so sudden, Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | "Tatsuya-kun... Are you acquainted with the President?" |
||
| − | "We met for the first time before the entrance ceremony... So, yes." |
||
| − | In regards to Mizuki's question, Tatsuya was just as confused as she was. |
||
| − | "It certainly didn't look like a first meeting." |
||
| − | "It's as if she intentionally sought you out." |
||
| − | Tatsuya had enough confidence in his memory to say that the day of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | enrollment was definitely the first time he met Saegusa Mayumi. However, |
||
| − | just as Leo and Erika said, that approach did not seem like a first |
||
| − | acquaintance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...Maybe because of Miyuki?" (!) |
||
| − | "...But she mentioned Onii-sama's name specifically?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya was surrounded by Mizuki, Erika, and Leo, people that could be |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | called "familiar faces" without difficulty. Just like yesterday and most |
||
| − | likely into the future, the group would gather around Tatsuya and Miyuki |
||
| − | near the station, exchange greetings, and go to school together. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It wasn't a bad feeling at all. |
||
| − | In fact, it was quite a nice way to start the day. |
||
| − | However, just as the five of them were leisurely walking the short distance |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | to school, they heard a call of "Tatsuya-kun~~" from behind them that any |
||
| − | reasonable bystander would find embarrassing. It was accompanied by the |
||
| − | rapidly approaching form of a petite individual and, according to Tatsuya's |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | groundless belief, the termination of peace and quiet. |
||
| − | "Tatsuya-kun, good morning~. And Miyuki as well, good morning." |
||
| − | Compared to Miyuki's greeting, the greeting directed towards himself was |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | quite casual, Tatsuya thought. However, she was still the 3rd Year Student |
||
| − | Council President. |
||
| − | "Good morning, President." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It was necessary to observe proper protocol, just to be on the safe side. |
||
| − | Immediately following Tatsuya, Miyuki also bowed respectfully. The other |
||
| − | three offered polite, albeit slightly awed, greetings. It was only natural to |
||
| − | have such a reaction. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Are you alone, President?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Although obvious at a glance, the question was still offered, with a subtle |
||
| − | invitation to walk together to school. |
||
| − | "Hm. There isn't really anyone that walks with me to school in the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | morning." |
||
| − | A confirmation to both the obvious query and the subtle invitation. |
||
| − | Although, speaking of which... the President was quite the personable |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | individual. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I would like to speak with Miyuki about a few things... May I walk with |
||
| − | you to school?" |
||
| − | The comment directed towards Miyuki was spoken in an approachable |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | tone, but on a different level compared to their earlier conversation. |
||
| − | It did not look like Tatsuya was misreading the situation. |
||
| − | "Hm, if it's quite alright..." |
||
| − | "Oh, it's not like the topic is a secret. Or do you prefer to talk at a later |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | time?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | As she said this, the President smiled at the three slowly retreating |
||
| − | individuals, who immediately froze. |
||
| − | "President.. I feel as if your attitude towards one of us is slightly |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | different... or is that just my misinterpretation?" |
||
| − | Of course not, the three of them responded verbally or with hand gestures. |
||
| − | Mayumi smiled and nodded her head at the same time that Tatsuya |
||
| − | displayed a disappointed expression. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Eh? Is that the case?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | By now, changing her word choice and pretending not to notice was too |
||
| − | late. Her tone and expression had already betrayed her. |
||
| − | "Is the subject you wish to speak about related to the Student Council?" |
||
| − | At this point, Tatsuya did not plan on backing down, but he was feeling the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | pressure as well. |
||
| − | Miyuki frantically changed the subject back to herself. |
||
| − | "Hm, I meant to find an opportunity to speak with you in detail. Do you |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | have any plans during lunch break?" |
||
| − | "I plan on eating in the cafeteria." |
||
| − | "With Tatsuya-kun?" |
||
| − | "No, Onii-sama and I are in different classes..." |
||
| − | It seemed like she remembered what had happened yesterday. |
||
| − | At the sight of Miyuki slightly lowering her head and lowering her voice, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi nodded as if in understanding. |
||
| − | "There are quite a lot of students that care about these little things." |
||
| − | Tatsuya slightly glanced to his side. |
||
| − | To no surprise, Mizuki nodded in affirmation. It looked like yesterday's |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | incident wasn't quite over yet. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | However, if the President spoke like this, wouldn't this be a problem? |
||
| − | Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | "In that case, why not join me in the Student Council Room for lunch? If |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | you don't mind bentos, the room has an automatic meal dispenser." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...The Student Council Room is equipped with the Dinner Server |
||
| − | Module?" |
||
| − | The normally composed Miyuki could not conceal her amazement as she |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | replied. |
||
| − | Which was accompanied by a sense of befuddlement. |
||
| − | What was something that is normally seen in airline terminals or long |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | distance trains doing in a Student Council Room? |
||
| − | "Before entering the Student Council Room, I didn't want to talk too much |
||
| − | about it. But it's for students working late into the day." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | An embarrassed Mayumi smiled ashamedly while trying to persuade |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki. |
||
| − | "If it's the Student Council Room, it's not a problem if Tatsuya-kun tags |
||
| − | along as well." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | At that moment, Mayumi's smiling face became teasing and, to put it |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | bluntly, mischievous. Hopefully, that was a mistake on Tatsuya's part. |
||
| − | Even if it was a misinterpretation, that particular way of putting it still |
||
| − | gave him a headache. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...Speaking of problems, there is one. There appears to be some conflict |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | between myself and the Vice-President. I'm terribly sorry." |
||
| − | Tatsuya did not plan on interfering between Miyuki and the Student |
||
| − | Council, and so he left the interruption at that. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | On the day of enrollment, the male student behind Mayumi that |
||
| − | continuously glared at Tatsuya was probably the Vice President. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | That line of sight did not appear to be a misinterpretation. |
||
| − | If Tatsuya carelessly went to the Student Council Room to eat lunch, this |
||
| − | undoubtedly would lead to conflict between the two of them. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | However, it appeared that Mayumi had not grasped the meaning behind |
||
| − | Tatsuya's words. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "The Vice-President...?" |
||
| − | Mayumi slightly tilted her head but quickly clapped her hands, in an action |
||
| − | straight out of movie dramas. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "If it's Hanzou-kun, you don't have to worry about it, there won't be a |
||
| − | problem." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "But even if that's the case...?" |
||
| − | In that instant, Tatsuya made up his mind to avoid the incident that led up |
||
| − | to his sister receiving that nickname, no matter the cost. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Hanzou-kun will be in the clubroom for lunch break." |
||
| − | It was completely unrelated to what Tatsuya was thinking — that was only |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | natural — but(?) Mayumi's smile did not diminish in the slightest as she |
||
| − | continued to speak. |
||
| − | "In that case, everyone can come as well. Letting everyone know about the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Student Council's activities is one of our duties as well." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Despite that, there were people who directly refused Mayumi's social |
||
| − | invitation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Even though it's a rare opportunity, I think we'll pass." |
||
| − | Even using the word "pass" in this way, it still conveyed a definite |
||
| − | "refusal". |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Erika and company's unexpected response caused the situation to become |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | slightly awkward. |
||
| − | Nonetheless, trying to get their underlying feelings across, or even to |
||
| − | smooth things over, was frankly impossible. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Is that so?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | But there was one thing that did not change, and that was Mayumi's |
||
| − | smiling face. |
||
| − | Was she simply obtuse or able to comprehend something that everyone |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | else could not? |
||
| − | Tatsuya felt that she simply did not need a reason. |
||
| − | "In that case, just the two of you then." |
||
| − | What do we do? Miyuki's eyes silently asked Tatsuya. |
||
| − | Refusing was still a valid option up until that moment, but following the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | response from Erika's group, there was simply no way to smoothly decline. |
||
| − | "...I understand. Miyuki and I will be intruding on you then." (!)(!) |
||
| − | "Excellent. Then the details can wait until later. I'll wait for the two of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | you." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | For some reason, Mayumi was very pleased by this response. Turning |
||
| − | quickly, she left them with a spring in her step. |
||
| − | Even though they were all headed towards the same school, the footsteps |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | of the five who watched Mayumi leave became quite heavy indeed. |
||
| − | Tatsuya sighed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | Lunch break quickly arrived. |
||
| − | Footsteps remained heavy. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Just climbing two flights of stairs became an exhausting task, and it wasn't |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | because of a lack of exercise. |
||
| − | The real weight came from the heavy mood; heavy footsteps was just a |
||
| − | metaphor, though the reluctance towards going remained the same. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Compared to Tatsuya, Miyuki was the complete opposite. Her steps were |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | light and energetic. |
||
| − | Tatsuya was not insensitive enough to completely misunderstand the cause |
||
| − | of Miyuki's joy, so he remained silent. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Their destination was at the end of the hallway on the fourth floor. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | From the outside, they were all the same. They all had the same wooden |
||
| − | doors. |
||
| − | What was different was the wooden engraving embedded in the door, the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | speaker on the wall, and the cleverly disguised safety devices. |
||
| − | The sign on the door clearly displayed the words "Student Council Room". |
||
| − | The invitation was for Miyuki; Tatsuya was purely complementary. Thus, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the job of knocking fell to Miyuki. (Of course, this is another metaphor, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | since communication is through the speaker rather than knocking.) |
||
| − | After Miyuki solemnly requested entry through the speaker, from the |
||
| − | opposite end came a cheerful welcome. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | With a slight noise, so slight that even pressing one's ear to the door would |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | not have detected it, the lock opened. |
||
| − | Tatsuya placed his hand on the door knob and opened the door, adopting a |
||
| − | stance that shielded Miyuki on the way inside. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In reality, there was nothing that called for such a response. Tatsuya was |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | well aware of this point. |
||
| − | This behavior was something deeply ingrained into the siblings' daily |
||
| − | activities. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | —And of course, nothing happened. |
||
| − | "Welcome. Don't mind us, please come in." |
||
| − | Directly in front, a voice came from the opposite end of the table. |
||
| − | Tatsuya really wanted to ask Mayumi what caused her such happiness to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | greet them with a smile like that as she beckoned them in. |
||
| − | Miyuki led the way into the room, followed hurriedly by Tatsuya. He |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | stopped one step from the door, with Miyuki two steps from the door. |
||
| − | |||
| − | With both hands slightly before her, Miyuki bowed in greeting, a textbook |
||
| − | example of formality. |
||
| − | |||
| − | When compared to such a honed movement, Tatsuya had no chance of |
||
| − | imitating it. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki's speech and movement patterns were completely different from |
||
| − | Tatsuya's. This was most likely the work of their deceased mother. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Eh... No need to be so formal." |
||
| − | |||
| − | After watching Miyuki execute a perfect greeting that would not be out of |
||
| − | place in a formal gala, Mayumi seemed to shrink a little. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though there were two other members in attendance, they seemed to |
||
| − | be overwhelmed by the atmosphere as well. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There was one other person present that was not a member of the Student |
||
| − | Council. The representative from the Public Moral Committee wore a |
||
| − | mask of composure, but anyone could tell that was a brave front, not to |
||
| − | mention a veteran observer like Tatsuya. Truly, my little sister is quite |
||
| − | motivated today, Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The only thing that puzzled Tatsuya was exactly why Miyuki chose such |
||
| − | an intimidation tactic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Please sit. We can talk while we eat." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Maybe it was because Miyuki's opening salvo rattled her, but Mayumi's |
||
| − | voice had changed. To put it positively, the voice was still harmonious. To |
||
| − | put it negatively, the intimate friendliness from before was gone. |
||
| − | |||
| − | She was probably referring to the long table in the meeting room. |
||
| − | |||
| − | At this moment, the signal reached the table interior, rearranging the table |
||
| − | to be appropriate for dining. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Regardless, the siblings approached the expensive table and chose their |
||
| − | seats. Miyuki slid a chair out and sat down, while Tatsuya chose a seat just |
||
| − | below hers. |
||
| − | |||
| − | For someone who always adamantly insisted that her elder brother take a |
||
| − | seat higher than her own, the only reason Miyuki controlled her outburst |
||
| − | was because of the understanding that she was the focus of today's |
||
| − | meeting. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Meat, fish, or vegetarian. Which do you prefer?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | What was amazing was not just the Dinner Server Module, but the |
||
| − | complex selections available as well. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya picked vegetarian, with Miyuki mirroring his choice. After |
||
| − | receiving their orders, the 2nd Year student — probably the Secretary |
||
| − | Nakajou Azusa — activated the large cabinet-like machine tucked near the |
||
| − | wall. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Now the only thing that remained was waiting. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi was seated in the main chair. To her side and directly across from |
||
| − | Miyuki sat another 3rd Year female student. One seat over was the Public |
||
| − | Moral Committee member, who was across from Tatsuya. Azusa sat next |
||
| − | on the other side of the committee member. After regaining her bearings a |
||
| − | little, Mayumi began. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Introductions were exchanged at the enrollment ceremony, but just in |
||
| − | case, let's go over this again. To my side is our Accountant, Ichihara |
||
| − | Suzune, also known as Rin-chan." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...The only one who calls me that is the President." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Every part of her solemn face gave off a stern impression, though with her |
||
| − | tall frame and willowy limbs, Suzune would have done full justice to the |
||
| − | description of "beauty". |
||
| − | |||
| − | It must be admitted that "Rin-chan" fit her profile better than "Suzune". |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The two of you should know the one on Rin-chan's side, right? This is the |
||
| − | Chair of the Public Moral Committee Watanabe Mari." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mari didn't say anything, but her not taking exception to anyone would be |
||
| − | natural. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "And following that is our Secretary, Nakajou Azusa, also known as A- |
||
| − | chan." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Student Council President... Please don't call me 'A-chan' in front of the |
||
| − | underclassmen. I have my position to think of too." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Because she was even more petite than Mayumi and possessed a more |
||
| − | childish face, whenever Azusa directed a teary-eyed face upwards, she |
||
| − | unintentionally gave off the impression of a child about to cry. |
||
| − | |||
| − | And that would probably be the reason she is called "A-Chan", Tatsuya |
||
| − | thought. That might be too cruel a truth for the person in question. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The last one would be Vice President Hanzou. And that makes up all the |
||
| − | members of the Student Council Committee." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Which I am not part of." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Oh yes, Mari is not a member of the Student Council. Ah, the |
||
| − | preparations are complete." |
||
| − | The cover to the Dinner Server opened, presenting neat and proper meals |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | without a hint of character on a series of trays. |
||
| − | There were only five meals. |
||
| − | We're short one... Even though Tatsuya thought of this, he did not mention |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | it aloud because he was thinking of a solution. While Tatsuya was |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | processing this, Mari quietly took out a bento box. |
||
| − | Seeing Azusa stand up, Miyuki also left the table. As its name implied, the |
||
| − | Dinner Server was capable of producing meals, but without a matching |
||
| − | table set, it was more efficient to manually bring the trays over. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Azusa first put her tray on the table, then brought Mayumi and Suzune's |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | portions as well. |
||
| − | Following that, Miyuki carried over the two trays for the siblings, and with |
||
| − | that a most interesting lunch began. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In the beginning, the conversation was completely open. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Even then, Tatsuya and Miyuki had very few conversational subjects that |
||
| − | coincided with the committee members. |
||
| − | The conversation naturally flowed towards the topic of food. |
||
| − | It couldn't be helped that the Dinner Server produced what was more or |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | less fast food, but modern processed foods have nearly the same quality as |
||
| − | normal cuisines. That being said, if it can only match "normal quality" |
||
| − | cuisines, then the deficiencies of processed foods cannot be denied. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Did you make that bento yourself, Watanabe-senpai?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki's intention was simply to initiate a conversation with everyone |
||
| − | else, and did not hide any other reason. |
||
| − | "Yes, are you surprised?" |
||
| − | However, when asked by Miyuki, Mari nodded and replied with a teasing |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | question of her own that was difficult to answer. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In reality, Mari did not intend to torment Miyuki, but wanted to play a |
||
| − | small joke on this sensible and polite underclassman. |
||
| − | "No, just a little." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Just as Miyuki was starting to panic, a voice from her side responded for |
||
| − | her in the negative. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...I see." |
||
| − | Tatsuya's eyes were watching Mari's hand motions, or her fingers to be |
||
| − | precise. If it were made by a machine, or by hand, what kind of cuisines |
||
| − | would, or would not, be possible...? It gave the impression that he could |
||
| − | see through everything, causing Mari to feel quite embarrassed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Let's start bringing bentos of our own tomorrow." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | When Miyuki spoke up as if nothing had happened, Tatsuya also shifted |
||
| − | his line of sight. |
||
| − | "Miyuki's bentos are certainly incredible, but as to where to eat them..." |
||
| − | "Oh, yes... First we need to find somewhere to eat them..." |
||
| − | The siblings' dialogue — not only the contents, but the atmosphere itself |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | seemed a little too intimate for a pair of blood-related teenagers. |
||
| − | "...Just like a pair of lovers." |
||
| − | Suzune adopted a smile that was not a smile, and dropped an explosive |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | comment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Is that so? If we weren't siblings, then we would be lovers, is that what |
||
| − | you think?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya calmly countered and quickly defused the explosion. |
||
| − | Or more likely accidentally detonated it. |
||
| − | "...Of course, that was a joke." |
||
| − | When facing a totally red Azusa, Tatsuya mirrored Suzune's earlier "smile" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | and calmly continued. His face was not disturbed in the slightest. |
||
| − | "You, are quite boring." (!) |
||
| − | Mari said in an exasperated tone. |
||
| − | "I think so too." |
||
| − | Tatsuya replied in an even manner. |
||
| − | "Ok, Ok, let's end this subject here. Mari, I know it's tough to swallow, but |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya-kun is just a difficult person to handle." |
||
| − | Maybe it was because she foresaw that this conversation would go on |
||
| − | perpetually, Mayumi intervened with a slightly bitter smile. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "...That's true. I take back my earlier comment. You are an interesting guy, |
||
| − | Tatsuya-kun." |
||
| − | |||
| − | With a slight smile — and for a beautiful young lady, she often reveals a |
||
| − | smile before a boy — Mari changed her earlier evaluation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | First the Student Council President, now the Chair of the Public Moral |
||
| − | Committee. I guess I better get used to people calling me by name. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's about time we get to the point." |
||
| − | |||
| − | It might have been a little unexpected, but the time allotted for lunch break |
||
| − | was limited. |
||
| − | |||
| − | After everyone finished eating, both Tatsuya and Miyuki nodded upon |
||
| − | hearing Mayumi's words. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Just as our school places heavy emphasis on self determination, the |
||
| − | Student Council has been granted vast powers within the confines of the |
||
| − | school. Not only our school, but most public high schools also adopt a |
||
| − | similar method." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya agreed with the principle. Management-centric and Deterministiccentric |
||
| − | were like the ebb and flow of the tides, fundamentally different but |
||
| − | at the same time impacting one another. With the victory in the Okinawa |
||
| − | Defense Battle 3 years ago and the subsequent rise in international voice, |
||
| − | the old management-centric style that led to diplomatic disadvantages and |
||
| − | internal unrest was swept out in favor of self-determination becoming the |
||
| − | theme of society. In time, there was another reverse; a portion of private |
||
| − | high schools adopted a harsh management-centric philosophy. Thus, it is |
||
| − | difficult to unilaterally calculate the progression of events. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Our Student Council uses the traditional method of concentrating the |
||
| − | power and authority in the president. This presidential style can also be |
||
| − | described as extreme centralization." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hearing these words triggered some unease, though this would probably |
||
| − | be discourteous to Mayumi. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya tightly clasped his fist. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The president is elected by the student body, the other members are |
||
| − | appointed by the president. With a few exceptions, the president has the |
||
| − | right of appointment and removal for all officers." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "My position as the Chair of the Public Moral Committee is one of those |
||
| − | exceptions. The Student Council, the Club Management Group, and the |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | teachers each select a representative to determine this position." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "And because of this, on some level Mari holds the same authority I do. |
||
| − | Under the rules, the president has a term period, but the others do not. The |
||
| − | term lasts from October 1 to September 30 of the next year. Between this |
||
| − | time, the president has the right of appointment and removal for all |
||
| − | officers." |
||
| − | |||
| − | (About time to get to the point.) Tatsuya did not interrupt, but merely |
||
| − | nodded to indicate he understood. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "There is an annual tradition to invite the 1st Year representative to the |
||
| − | Student Council, with the intent of training them to become the successor. |
||
| − | Hopefully, the 1st Year representative will be elected to be the next Student |
||
| − | Council President. Although it is not a guarantee, this has been the case for |
||
| − | the past 5 years." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "So the President was also a 1st Year representative? Quite impressive." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Ah~, err, yes." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi blushed and stammered her reply. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya's response was merely flattery, since he already knew the answer. |
||
| − | The odd part was that Mayumi should already be inured to such flattery |
||
| − | given her position, yet she still reddened in embarrassment. This was no |
||
| − | act, but true embarrassment. This is certainly quite devious... She looks |
||
| − | like a perfectly normal high school student. — It can't be that she |
||
| − | intentionally lets people see that she is easily embarrassed, and that is the |
||
| − | true acting portion? |
||
| − | |||
| − | "So... Miyuki, I hope you can enter the Student Council." |
||
| − | |||
| − | At this stage, saying "enter the Student Council" is essentially becoming a |
||
| − | member of the Student Council. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Are you willing to accept?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Taking a breath, Miyuki looked down at her hands, before raising her eyes |
||
| − | towards Tatsuya in question. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya shrugged, suppressed his own feelings, and slightly nodded his |
||
| − | head. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki lowered her head again before raising it. This time however, her |
||
| − | eyes were lit in the manner of someone about to take a plunge. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | "President, are you aware of Onii-sama's entrance examination scores?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "—?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | At this completely unexpected development, it was all Tatsuya could do to |
||
| − | remain silent. |
||
| − | |||
| − | What are you trying to say, little sister? |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Hm, I know of it. Truly incredible... To be honest, when I stole a glance at |
||
| − | the teacher's results, even I lost confidence." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...If the student council accepts students with high test scores and |
||
| − | outstanding abilities, I believe Onii-sama fits the criteria as well." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Wait, Mi-" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "And in terms of Desk Work (Theoretical Manipulation), I believe that has |
||
| − | nothing to do with practical skills and grades. In other words, knowledge |
||
| − | and judgment are more important." |
||
| − | |||
| − | For Miyuki, not allowing the other person to finish their sentence and |
||
| − | bulling right over them is quite the rare occurrence. |
||
| − | |||
| − | And if the other speaker is Tatsuya, then the frequency would drop even |
||
| − | lower. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I am honored to receive an invitation to the Student Council. I would be |
||
| − | more than happy to accept even the lowest position, but is there any way |
||
| − | for Onii-sama to join?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya really wanted to cover his face and look skywards. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Is it possible that his negative influence on his little sister had reached this |
||
| − | extent? |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki should know that blatant nepotism can only lead to others' |
||
| − | discomfort. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Alas, this is not possible." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The one who answered was not the President, but the council member |
||
| − | sitting to her side. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Student Council members must be selected from Course 1 students. This |
||
| − | is not an unwritten rule, but an enumerated one. This is the only clause that |
||
| − | is attached to the right of appointment and removal for the president. To |
||
| − | change this requires a special amendment meeting with the attendance of |
||
| − | the full student body and carried by a two-thirds majority. Since the |
||
| − | number of Course 1 and Course 2 students are practically equal, this is |
||
| − | realistically impossible." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Suzune softly said this in a tone that was slightly apologetic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | From her voice, it was obvious that she too was someone that was against |
||
| − | the differential treatment between Blooms and Weeds. |
||
| − | "...I apologize. I said all of that without understanding the situation. Please |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | forgive me." |
||
| − | Miyuki could only frankly admit her mistake. |
||
| − | Miyuki rose to her feet and bowed deeply in apology, but no one |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | reprimanded her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "In that case, Miyuki will join the current Student Council with the title of |
||
| − | secretary, is that acceptable?" |
||
| − | "Yes, I will work hard to fulfill my duties. Please look after me." |
||
| − | Miyuki lowered her head again, but this time was more polite than |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | apologetic. Mayumi nodded at Miyuki with a smile on her face. |
||
| − | "You can get the details from A-chan." |
||
| − | "As I just said, President... Please stop calling me A-chan..." |
||
| − | "If there are no complications, can you come today after school?" |
||
| − | Completely ignoring the tearful protests on the side, Mayumi continued |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | her conversation. |
||
| − | "Miyuki." |
||
| − | Before Miyuki could turn and ask, Tatsuya stopped her with a short but |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | powerful verbal tone. He nodded in agreement with Mayumi's suggestion. |
||
| − | Miyuki nodded as well, before turning to face Mayumi. |
||
| − | "I understand. However, would it be fine for me to come here after |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | school?" |
||
| − | "Of course. I'll wait for you, Miyuki." |
||
| − | "Hey~. Why am I called 'A-chan', while Shiba is called 'Miyuki'...?" |
||
| − | On some level this was a valid question, but was once again ignored. |
||
| − | ...Tatsuya started to pity Azusa a little. |
||
| − | "...There is still a little time left until the end of lunch break. May I say |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | something?" |
||
| − | The reason that everyone ignored Azusa, and not out of spite or |
||
| − | mischievousness either, was probably because everyone's attention was |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | directed towards the hand Mari raised in the air. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "The roster for the Public Moral Committee still has one empty spot that |
||
| − | has not been filled." |
||
| − | "I just said that we are still reviewing possible candidates. Besides, school |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | just started a week ago, right? There's no need to hurry, Mari." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Displeased with Mari's hastiness, Mayumi admonished her. However, Mari |
||
| − | didn't seem to care. |
||
| − | "I think, according to the rules of the student council, all members aside |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | from the president must be Course 1 students, right?" |
||
| − | "Yes." |
||
| − | Mayumi nodded in confirmation while her expression said that it couldn't |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | be helped. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Only Course 1 students are allowed to fill the positions of Vice President, |
||
| − | Accountant, Secretary, and related roles, right?" |
||
| − | "Yes. The rules stipulate that the council is made up of the President, Vice |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | president, Accountant, and Secretary roles." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "In other words, there is no restriction for bringing a Course 2 student into |
||
| − | the Public Moral Committee." |
||
| − | "Mari, you..." |
||
| − | Mayumi's eyes widened, while Suzune and Azusa both wore similarly |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | shocked expressions. |
||
| − | This proposal was every bit as surprising as Miyuki's earlier suggestion. |
||
| − | Apparently, the 3rd Year student known as Watanabe Mari is quite the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | practical joker, Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | —However. |
||
| − | "NICE!" |
||
| − | "Ah?" |
||
| − | Coinciding with Mayumi's delighted outburst, Tatsuya let out a dull |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | surprise. |
||
| − | "Yes, there's no problem with the Public Moral Committee. Mari, the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Student Council nominates Shiba Tatsuya as Public Moral Committee |
||
| − | member." |
||
| − | An unexpected development happened within an instant. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Wait a minute! Shouldn't you take into account my thoughts on the |
||
| − | matter? Also, you haven't told me what the duties of a Public Moral |
||
| − | Committee member consists of." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Rather than objecting from a logical perspective, it was more important to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | listen to the instincts that warned of a dangerous development. |
||
| − | "We didn't really go into detail about your sister's duties on the Student |
||
| − | Council, correct?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...No, that's true, but..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | —Unfortunately, Tatsuya's objection was immediately countered by |
||
| − | Suzune's comment. |
||
| − | "Eh, Rin-chan, this is fine. Tatsuya-kun, the job of the Public Moral |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Committee is to uphold the public moral on campus." |
||
| − | "..." |
||
| − | "..." |
||
| − | "...Is that all?" |
||
| − | "While the job doesn't come with any sense of accomplishment, and is also |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | quite troublesome... Err, it's still a rewarding task?" |
||
| − | First of all, disregard the fact that she tried to hide her words behind that |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | smile. The more important thing is that Tatsuya didn't think they were |
||
| − | going to listen to him seriously anyways. "That wasn't what I meant." |
||
| − | "Hm?" |
||
| − | Looks like they're not pretending to be ignorant. |
||
| − | Tatsuya shifted his gaze to the right. |
||
| − | In Suzune's eyes, he discovered a pitying look. |
||
| − | Despite that look, it didn't look like she was going to help. |
||
| − | And on Suzune's side. |
||
| − | Mari looked like she found this entire sequence of events very interesting. |
||
| − | And on Mari's other side. |
||
| − | When locking eyes with Azusa, her eyes betrayed a harried look. |
||
| − | He continued to stare at her. |
||
| − | Despite Azusa desperately glancing left and right, Tatsuya did not take his |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | eyes off her and continued to stare. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Um, our school's Public Moral Committee is an organization that is |
||
| − | responsible for policing those who break school rules." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | —Just like her outer appearance, Azusa is weak to pressure. |
||
| − | "In terms of public morals, they usually consist of things like uniform |
||
| − | regulations or tardiness, but these are handled by the members appointed |
||
| − | by the Self-Governing Committee." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In this outwardly conservative, but actually incredibly unique and diverse |
||
| − | Student Council, she was probably the only one susceptible to this tactic. |
||
| − | Tatsuya started to become a little concerned about his future job duties. |
||
| − | "...Um, do you have any questions?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "No, please continue." |
||
| − | "Ah, OK. The primary duties of the Public Moral Committee are to |
||
| − | identify those that use magic against school rules and to subjugate those |
||
| − | that use magic on campus to cause a disturbance. After the Public Moral |
||
| − | Committee member decides the necessary punishment, he or she will |
||
| − | present before the Disciplinary Committee alongside the President and |
||
| − | Student Representative. In short, they are both the police and the |
||
| − | prosecutor." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Isn't that wonderful, Onii-sama." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "No, Miyuki... Please wait a little before giving off that 'Then it's decided' |
||
| − | look in your eyes... Just in case, let me clarify a few things." |
||
| − | "Clarify what?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya was not focused on Azusa who just finished her explanations, but |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | on Mari instead. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "According to the earlier explanation, the Public Moral Committee |
||
| − | member's mission is to halt any conflicts upon discovery, correct?" |
||
| − | "Well, that's true. We also intercede on non-magical conflicts." |
||
| − | "Also, if magic was used, our intervention is mandatory." |
||
| − | "If possible, it'd be best if the conflict was resolved prior to use of magic." |
||
| − | "That's my point! My technical grade is terrible, and on top of that, I'm a |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Course 2 student!" |
||
| − | Finally, even Tatsuya started to raise his volume. |
||
| − | This task clearly requires overwhelming magical prowess to subjugate the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | opponent. |
||
| − | |||
| − | No matter from what angle of consideration, this task was not suited for |
||
| − | Course 2 students with poor technical skills. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, despite Tatsuya's questioning, Mari remained completely |
||
| − | unperturbed and replied with a simple comment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's not a problem." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "What are you saying?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "In competitions of power, I will handle it... Lunch break is almost over. |
||
| − | Let's save the rest for after school, any objection?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was true that lunch break was about to end, and doubly true that this |
||
| − | subject could not simply be glossed over. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...I understand." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya fully understood that if he entered this room after school, he would |
||
| − | have to enter this quagmire again, but he didn't have any other choice. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Then we'll meet again here." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya suppressed any unreasonable feelings and nodded his head. To his |
||
| − | side, while fully understanding her elder brother's thoughts, Miyuki could |
||
| − | not hide her feelings of elation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | Because education has finally reached a widespread status, the |
||
| − | pointlessness of schools became a popular stance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Since online classes became a reality, it was argued that spending time in |
||
| − | actual classrooms was a waste of time and resources. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In the end, the pointlessness of schools only remained at the popular level |
||
| − | and did not rise any higher. |
||
| − | |||
| − | No matter how advanced the interface, virtual experiences are not reality. |
||
| − | Practice and experimentation must be paired with timely questions and |
||
| − | answers. In addition, anything not conducted under real circumstances will |
||
| − | not yield actual learning experiences. Students learning together in the |
||
| − | same class can promote additional learning. These two points have been |
||
| − | proven beyond doubt by mock experiments. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | 1st Year Class E was in the middle of a practice class. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Having said that, there wasn't a real-time teacher present. This is a simple |
||
| − | example of when the results of research are not put into practice. |
||
| − | The students of Class E were following the instructions displayed upon the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | wall monitor to operate the built-in educational use CAD. Today's subject |
||
| − | matter was the basic of the basics, which is the simple operation of this |
||
| − | device. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | While officially a guided learning session, there was still an assignment to |
||
| − | complete. Because there was no supervising teacher, the completion of the |
||
| − | assignment reports became the only criterion for this class. Today's |
||
| − | assignment was to use the CAD to direct a flatbed car from one end of its |
||
| − | track to the other, to be repeated three times. Despite the lack of a |
||
| − | reminder, it was a given that manual operation is strictly forbidden. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Tatsuya, how did the Student Council Room feel?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | While waiting in line to use the CAD, Leo asked after poking Tatsuya in |
||
| − | the back. |
||
| − | His face didn't reveal any ulterior motive. He was simply curious. |
||
| − | "Turned into an intriguing conversation..." |
||
| − | "Intriguing?" |
||
| − | Erika, who was in front of Tatsuya in the line, also turned around to ask. |
||
| − | "They asked me to join the Public Moral Committee. How could it |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | suddenly turn out this way?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya and Erika both tilted their head. Truth be told, the only way to |
||
| − | describe it would be "how could things turn out this way". |
||
| − | "You're right. It is pretty sudden." |
||
| − | Leo also agreed that it was quite unexpected. |
||
| − | "But isn't it great to be scouted by the Student Council?" |
||
| − | Mizuki's opinion was different from the others. She stopped as she was on |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | her way back to the end of the line to try the assignment again. |
||
| − | "Great? Isn't this merely a complementary bundle for my little sister?" |
||
| − | All the same, Tatsuya was unable to accept Mizuki's compliment. |
||
| − | Erika smiled slightly when she saw Tatsuya's suspicious and stubborn |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | attitude. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Well, well, let's stop with all that self-depreciation. So, what does the |
||
| − | |||
| − | Public Moral Committee do anyway?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | After hearing Erika's question, Tatsuya repeated what he heard from |
||
| − | |||
| − | Azusa. Hearing that, all three pairs of eyes widened. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Quite the troublesome task..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Leo sighed while Mizuki's expression became worried. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "If it's not safe, then... Erika-chan, what's wrong?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Erika was extremely upset, though come to speak of it, since when did she |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | become so enraged? |
||
| − | "...Really, so impulsive..." |
||
| − | Her eyesight drifted. Speaking towards thin air, it looked like she was |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | scolding someone who wasn't present. |
||
| − | "Erika-chan?" |
||
| − | "Ah, eh, sorry. That really is going too far. Tatsuya-kun, you're better off |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | declining such a dangerous task." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | As that solemn expression turned into a mischievous smile, Erika's voice |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | became noticeably brighter as she goaded him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Eh, it's still quite interesting! Why don't you accept, Tatsuya. I'll cheer |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | you on." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Although it was understandable that Erika was joking to disguise what she |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | said earlier, it appeared that she was still hiding something. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "But if you have to intervene in conflicts, won't you be the target of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | magical attacks as well?" |
||
| − | There was a reasonable guess as to who the "impulsive one" referred to. |
||
| − | "Yeah, and there will definitely be people who mistake good intentions for |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | cold-blooded actions." |
||
| − | Yet, the exact details behind those feelings remain a mystery. |
||
| − | "On the other hand, rather than letting those pretentious Course 1 students |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | hog the limelight, don't you think it's better if Tatsuya does it?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya wasn't rash enough to join their conversation. |
||
| − | "Hm... Well, that might be true." |
||
| − | "Erika-chan, please don't think of it that way! If we don't want that to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | happen, isn't it better to not get into fights?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "But Mizuki, even if we don't plan on it, aren't there times where we have |
||
| − | to put out fires? Like yesterday, for example." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well, that..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "There is a lot of suspicion and injustice in the world. We can't always |
||
| − | expect a positive result if we concede all the time." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Case in point, unconsciously Tatsuya felt that it was about time for him to |
||
| − | end this conversation before it led to dangerous territory. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Erika, it's your turn." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Ah, sorry, sorry." |
||
| − | |||
| − | At Tatsuya's nudging, the slightly flustered Erika quickly assumed her |
||
| − | position. Judging from her back, she was in a state of complete seriousness |
||
| − | and was completely unaffected by the earlier conversation. It looks like |
||
| − | she is the type that can effortlessly change from one mental state to the |
||
| − | next. Despite an outwardly flighty appearance, her natural state is probably |
||
| − | one of seriousness. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Erika's back shook a little, probably because she took a deep breath. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It happened in a second, although invisible to the naked eye, the |
||
| − | fluctuations of the psions passed over Erika's back and could be "seen" in |
||
| − | the form of a light that only Magicians could perceive. This was a sign that |
||
| − | the activation and subsequent invocation did not consume all psions, as the |
||
| − | leftover psions created this psion light. Highly skilled Magicians only |
||
| − | leave behind small amounts of psion light, but for a high school 1st Year |
||
| − | student, this was an acceptable level. When there are enough leftover |
||
| − | psions, photon interference between psions result in a physical |
||
| − | manifestation of light. An absence of psion light would denote excellent |
||
| − | control over one's abilities. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The flatbed car in front of the CAD shifted forward, then returned to its |
||
| − | original position. This occurred three times. "Yes!" It was obvious that |
||
| − | Erika was very pleased with the result, as could be seen from her clenched |
||
| − | fist and the way she turned to look at Tatsuya. Indeed, she was more deft |
||
| − | this time compared to the first time they conducted this exercise, and there |
||
| − | was marked improvement to both acceleration and deceleration. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The purpose of this exercise was to accelerate the flatbed car to the middle |
||
| − | of the track, then decelerate to the other end, accelerate from that end back |
||
| − | towards the middle, and decelerate to the starting point... To be repeated |
||
| − | three times. The activation sequence inputted into the CAD was for these 6 |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | acceleration and deceleration invocations. Because there were no set |
||
| − | acceleration or deceleration vectors(?), this could be used to examine the |
||
| − | skill level amongst the students. Whether the flatbed car moved in a stable |
||
| − | motion was enough to gauge if the user was skilled or not. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Erika secretly displayed a hand signal for victory that was not snobbish at |
||
| − | all as she moved towards the end of the line behind Mizuki. Next, Tatsuya |
||
| − | took his place before the built-in CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He stepped on the pedal switch to adjust the CAD height, placed his palm |
||
| − | on the white, transparent touchpad that sat atop a large box, and began to |
||
| − | manipulate the psion flow. |
||
| − | |||
| − | What returned was the sound of the activation confirmation, intermixed |
||
| − | with various conflicting noise. Resisting the urge to wrinkle his eyebrows, |
||
| − | Tatsuya began to build the invocation sequence. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The flatbed car stumbled two or three times before moving forward in a |
||
| − | stable motion. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Because today's assignment was to get used to operating a CAD, there was |
||
| − | no timer installed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Besides Tatsuya himself, no one would know. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Until the moment the flatbed car started moving, the time exhausted was |
||
| − | greater than Erika's by a large margin. Actually, not just compared to |
||
| − | Erika. Out of the 25 people in Class E, he would definitely be one of the |
||
| − | bottom feeders. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The only reason this was not immediately obvious was because the motion |
||
| − | of the flatbed car was roughly the same as the others. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, Tatsuya was well aware of his own disappointing performance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | Thank God no one was jealous. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Despite the series of "Good luck~" calls from his friends, his mood did not |
||
| − | improve, and instead was even more depressed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The reason was probably because Tatsuya originally was not interested in |
||
| − | the subject, thus leading to his further depression. |
||
| − | |||
| − | After school, Tatsuya headed towards the Student Council room, dragging |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | even heavier footsteps than during lunch break. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Although the atmosphere surrounding the circumstances was a little pitiful, |
||
| − | because Miyuki could understand Tatsuya's feelings, she remained silent. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Thanks to the fact that the ID Card was already registered in the |
||
| − | certification system --(Joining the Student Council is apparently |
||
| − | considered a guarantee. Although resistance is possible, Mayumi and Mari |
||
| − | would probably insist) -- the siblings entered the room. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Immediately upon entering, there was a sharp gaze tinged with hostility. |
||
| − | The source came from the opposite side of the machine in the wall, in a |
||
| − | seat that was unoccupied during lunch break. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Excuse us!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was hard to say whether it was out of sorrow or pride, but Tatsuya was |
||
| − | already accustomed to this type of gaze and atmosphere. He maintained his |
||
| − | poker face, bowed in silence, and with that the hostile gaze dissipated like |
||
| − | rainclouds before the sun. Even then, it wasn't as if the hostility had |
||
| − | disappeared completely, more like the previous hostile gaze was now |
||
| − | directed in a more favorable light towards Miyuki, who was now standing |
||
| − | in the front. The reasoning behind this should need no further explanation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The owner of this gaze stood up and walked towards the siblings. No, |
||
| − | more like walked towards Miyuki. Tatsuya remembered his face. On the |
||
| − | day of enrollment, he was the 2nd Year student standing closely behind |
||
| − | Mayumi as if awaiting orders, thus making him the Student Council Vice |
||
| − | President. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The Vice President stood roughly as tall as Tatsuya. The difference was |
||
| − | that his shoulders were a little narrower. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He had a handsome visage that did not warrant additional words to |
||
| − | describe, and an unremarkable build. He did not give off a robust |
||
| − | impression, but from the way psion light densely clung to the air around |
||
| − | his body, he must be a young man with considerable Magic Power. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I am the Vice President, Hattori Gyoubu. Shiba Miyuki, welcome to the |
||
| − | Student Council." |
||
| − | |||
| − | His voice was a little abnormal, but considering his age he was probably |
||
| − | suppressing any personal reaction. |
||
| − | |||
| − | His right hand shook a little, probably because the wish to shake hands |
||
| − | was not completely erased. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | As to why the shaking stopped, Tatsuya did not care to consider. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori returned to his seat while completely ignoring Tatsuya. Behind |
||
| − | Miyuki, a displeased aura was gathering, but that too disappeared in an |
||
| − | instant. The only one who noticed was probably Tatsuya, thanks to his |
||
| − | proximity. Thankfully she managed to control herself, Tatsuya patted |
||
| − | himself discreetly on the chest. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The Vice President was completely unaware of Tatsuya's worries — |
||
| − | though that shouldn't be surprising, given they just met — or the source of |
||
| − | Tatsuya's worries. Just then, two very casual greetings flew in. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Ah, you're here." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Welcome, Miyuki. You too, Tatsuya-kun. Good work." |
||
| − | |||
| − | From the way Mari casually raised a hand in greeting, she was already |
||
| − | treating Tatsuya as one of them. Mayumi was the complete opposite. Her |
||
| − | attitude was much different from before. Then again, most groups would |
||
| − | be upset if an outsider were to intrude, although no outburst actually |
||
| − | happened. Tatsuya, much like everyone else, had long since arrived at the |
||
| − | conclusion that trying to understand these two was a hopeless cause. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "In that case, no need to delay. A-chan, if you please." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...Yes." |
||
| − | |||
| − | It appeared that she already gave up. For a moment, Azusa's head drooped |
||
| − | with a sad expression before she put on a wooden smile and led Miyuki |
||
| − | towards the terminal on the side. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well, let's be off." |
||
| − | |||
| − | It hasn't even been a whole day yet and she's already speaking so casually. |
||
| − | Maybe flightiness is part of her character, Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Where to?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Then again, Tatsuya's background was not privileged enough for him to |
||
| − | care about anyone else's word choice. He replied in the shortest, most |
||
| − | efficient method possible. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Public Moral Committee headquarters. There's a lot of things you need to |
||
| − | see firsthand to understand. It's located directly underneath this room. That |
||
| − | being said, they're both connected." |
||
| − | |||
| − | After Mari finished speaking, Tatsuya took a breath before replying. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...That's quite the strange design." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "I thought so too." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | As she was saying this, Mari began to stand up. But just as she was about |
||
| − | to leave the chair, a comment stopped her. |
||
| − | "Watanabe-senpai, please wait a minute." |
||
| − | The voice came from Vice President Hattori. Upon hearing this, Mari |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | replied in a manner that to this day Tatsuya still cannot get used to. |
||
| − | "Is something the matter, Hattori Gyoubushoujou Hanzou?" |
||
| − | "Please don't address me by my full name!" |
||
| − | Tatsuya glanced at Mayumi. |
||
| − | Seeing Tatsuya's gaze, Mayumi tilted her head with a "Hm?". |
||
| − | You're telling me that "Hanzou" is actually his real name... Completely. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Unexpected. |
||
| − | "Then let's go with Vice President Hattori Hanzou." |
||
| − | "Please call me Hattori Gyoubu!" |
||
| − | "That's your family's official title, isn't it." |
||
| − | "It has nothing to do with the title now. The school has already accepted |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the name 'Hattori Gyoubu'! ...No, that's not what I wanted to say." |
||
| − | "That's because you're too formal, isn't it?" |
||
| − | "Ok, ok, Mari, Hanzou also has things he won't back down from." |
||
| − | Everyone's gaze fell towards the speaker, Mayumi. |
||
| − | You're hardly qualified to say that. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | But Mayumi had no reaction at all. |
||
| − | Probably because she didn't realize it. |
||
| − | More to the point, why hadn't Hattori said anything?. |
||
| − | This was slightly different than not being accustomed to speaking with the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | President. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Even when confronting Mari, Hattori's expression had not changed. But |
||
| − | compared to his expression then, Tatsuya found that to be very interesting. |
||
| − | —Of course, that was only under the condition that he was a spectator. |
||
| − | Alas, the time allotted to a spectator is very short. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Watanabe-senpai, the topic I wanted to speak with you about is precisely |
||
| − | regarding the replacements for the Public Moral Committee." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The blood that had originally caused Hattori's face to flush completely red |
||
| − | had now receded. Just like the slow-motion screening for an animation, |
||
| − | Hattori had calmed himself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "What?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I object to you appointing this 1st Year student to the Public Moral |
||
| − | Committee." |
||
| − | |||
| − | When Hattori stated his opinion, he was either perfectly calm, or was |
||
| − | forcibly holding his emotions in check. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mari's eyebrows wrinkled slightly, and that did not appear to be an act. |
||
| − | Tatsuya couldn't tell if she was merely surprised or irritated by this. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "What is this nonsense? The one who nominated Shiba Tatsuya-kun is |
||
| − | President Saegusa. Even though it was verbal, the right of appointment |
||
| − | remains with her alone." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I have heard that the receiving party has not agreed. Despite the |
||
| − | nomination, the matter is unofficial until he personally agrees." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "That is up to Shiba Tatsuya-kun himself. The President has already |
||
| − | elaborated on the decision of the Student Council. The final decision is his, |
||
| − | not yours." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mari's eyes were on Hattori while she said this. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori never looked at Tatsuya. Or maybe it would be more correct to say |
||
| − | that he was ignoring Tatsuya's presence. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Watching these two people, Suzune was very calm, Azusa was very |
||
| − | nervous, and Mayumi was completely unreadable, sitting there with a |
||
| − | traditional smile on her face. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki was staring at the terminal on the side with a subtle expression on |
||
| − | her face. However, she was probably a hair trigger away from exploding at |
||
| − | any time. For entirely different reasons, both Tatsuya and Azusa were |
||
| − | growing very worried. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "There is no precedence for appointing a Weed to the Public Moral |
||
| − | Committee." (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori's rebuttal was laced with the derogatory term. Upon hearing this, |
||
| − | Mari slightly raised an eyebrow. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "That's a taboo term, Vice President Hattori. A taboo term as banned by the |
||
| − | Public Moral Committee. You have a lot of nerve using that in front of me, |
||
| − | the Chair of the Public Moral Committee." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Facing Mari's reprimand, warning, or maybe a little of both, Hattori |
||
| − | showed no sign of weakness. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "You can ban that term all you want. Do you plan on punishing a third of |
||
| − | the entire student body? The difference between Blooms and Weeds is |
||
| − | something that is written into the school system and acknowledged by the |
||
| − | school itself. The source of the difference between Blooms and Weeds is |
||
| − | the difference in ability. Public Moral Committee members are responsible |
||
| − | for the task of subjugating students that break school rules. A Weed with |
||
| − | inferior abilities is incapable of accomplishing that task." |
||
| − | |||
| − | To Hattori's proud assertion, Mari only smiled coldly. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It is true that the Public Moral Committee is ability-based, but ability |
||
| − | comes in many forms. If we need to use strength for suppression, that's |
||
| − | what I'm here for. Even if I'm up against 10 or even 20 opponents, I can |
||
| − | handle them alone. In this school, the only people that can go 1 on 1 |
||
| − | against me are President Saegusa and Club Management Group Leader |
||
| − | Juumonji. According to you, the people with low combat capability are |
||
| − | unnecessary. So, do you plan to challenge me, Vice President Hattori?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | The only way that Mari would say this was because of her confidence and |
||
| − | combat record. However, despite slightly backing down before this |
||
| − | enormous pressure, Hattori had no plans to surrender. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "This isn't my problem. It's about his ability to adapt." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The bottom line was that Hattori believed his stance was correct. Course 2 |
||
| − | students with inferior abilities could not handle the responsibilities of the |
||
| − | Public Moral Committee that were so heavily reliant on ability. The fact |
||
| − | that no Course 2 student had ever been appointed to the Public Moral |
||
| − | Committee also supported this. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In spite of this, Mari's confidence surpassed Hattori. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Did I not say that ability comes in many forms? Tatsuya-kun can read the |
||
| − | activation sequence and thus accurately predict the magic being invoked |
||
| − | with his eyes and brain." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...What did you say?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Upon hearing this unexpected detail, Hattori reflexively asked. Rather than |
||
| − | saying this was unexpected, it would be more appropriate to say this was |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | impossible to believe. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Reading the activation sequence. This by all rights should be impossible. |
||
| − | |||
| − | For Hattori, that was "common sense". |
||
| − | |||
| − | "In other words, even before the magic has been invoked, he already |
||
| − | knows what magic his opponent is using." |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, Mari's answer did not change. This was the truth, was definitely |
||
| − | possible, and Mari had no doubts whatsoever as she said it. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "According to our school rules, depending on the type of magic used, the |
||
| − | level of punishment also changes. Unfortunately, if we were to disrupt the |
||
| − | activation sequence before invocation like Mayumi did, there is no way to |
||
| − | tell what magic was originally used. If we waited until the activation |
||
| − | sequence finished, then that would defeat the entire purpose. Thus it is |
||
| − | safer to disrupt magic during the activation sequence. Without any definite |
||
| − | accusation of wrong doing, the only thing we can charge them with is |
||
| − | attempted disruption and the subsequent lighter punishment. But with |
||
| − | Tatsuya, we can properly catch those that have been using stronger |
||
| − | magics." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...But, if he ran across an actual crime scene, and was unable to stop the |
||
| − | magic invocation..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori could not overcome his shock, but still managed to rebut. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "In that case, it would be beyond a 1st Year Course 1 student anyways. |
||
| − | And probably beyond 2nd Year students as well. How many people do you |
||
| − | know that are able to invoke second and still manage to deny their |
||
| − | opponent from invoking first? Besides that, there is still one more reason I |
||
| − | want him to join the Public Moral Committee." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mari tabled the first reason and started another. |
||
| − | |||
| − | No matter what, Hattori couldn't come up with a counter argument on the |
||
| − | spot. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "To this day there is no Public Moral Committee member that comes from |
||
| − | Course 2 students. In other words, Course 2 students that improperly use |
||
| − | magic against school rules are apprehended by Course 1 students. As you |
||
| − | said, there is a wide divide between Course 1 and Course 2 students. |
||
| − | Course 1 students can apprehend Course 2 students, but the reverse is not |
||
| − | true. This configuration has only served to widen that divide. I do not like |
||
| − | it that the committee members under my command are only serving to |
||
| − | widen this differential impression." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Ah... Quite impressive, Mari. You have even taken this into account? I |
||
| − | thought you only cared about Tatsuya-kun." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Please be quiet, President." |
||
| − | Mayumi wanted to change the surrounding atmosphere, but was stopped |
||
| − | by Suzune. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | A reproachful look. |
||
| − | A shaking head. |
||
| − | The former was from Mayumi, the latter from Suzune. |
||
| − | And so, two conflicting emotions were mixed together into one |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | inseparable whole, and came bursting out with resentment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "President... as the Vice-President, I object to appointing Shiba Tatsuya as |
||
| − | a Public Morals Committee member. |
||
| − | While I accept that Chair Watanabe has got a point in her assertion, the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | original mission of a Public Morals Committee member is to uncover and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | subjugate the school rule breakers. |
||
| − | A Course 2 student who is lacking in magic ability can't perform the duties |
||
| − | of a Public Morals Committee member. Such a misplaced appointment |
||
| − | will surely damage your reputation as the President. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Please reconsider." |
||
| − | "Please wait!" |
||
| − | Tatsuya turned around frantically. |
||
| − | Just as he had feared, Miyuki could no longer bear with it. |
||
| − | Absorbed in Mari's speech, he had missed the right timing to restrain her. |
||
| − | While he frantically attempted to preemptively stop her, Miyuki, who had |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | started speaking, was faster. |
||
| − | "This may sound audacious, Vice-President. My brother's practical magic |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | results may indeed be unfavorable, but that was merely because the |
||
| − | practical test was not effective in gauging my brother's strength. |
||
| − | In a real battle, my brother would not lose to anyone." |
||
| − | On hearing those words that were filled with certainty, Mari's eyes |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | widened a little. Mayumi's faint smile disappeared as well, and her serious |
||
| − | eyes turned towards Miyuki and Tatsuya. |
||
| − | However, the seriousness in the gaze Hattori returned on Miyuki became |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | thinner. |
||
| − | "Shiba-san." |
||
| − | The one Hattori was addressing was, needless to say, Miyuki. |
||
| − | "Regardless of what happens, a Magician must make judgments calmly |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | and logically. Individual bias may be unavoidable for a normal person, but |
||
| − | for one who is aiming to become a Magician, please bear in mind that you |
||
| − | should not let your individual bias cloud your judgment." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | There was no kindness felt in the admonishment. He was probably just |
||
| − | acting as an excellent "Upperclassman", who despite his selfrighteousness, |
||
| − | was looking after his junior of the same Course 1. —But, |
||
| − | under these circumstances, Tatsuya seemed to know that such a manner of |
||
| − | speaking would cause an opposite effect, and the moment when Miyuki |
||
| − | would rebuke Hattori. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Sure enough, Miyuki was getting increasingly heated up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Pardon me for saying so, but my judgment is not clouded! If Onii-sama |
||
| − | could use more of his power—" |
||
| − | "Miyuki." |
||
| − | Tatsuya held his hand out in front of Miyuki, who had completely lost her |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | cool. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | With a startled face, Miyuki shut her mouth with a mix of embarrassment |
||
| − | and regret, and hung her head in shame. |
||
| − | Having stopped Miyuki's words with a wave of his hand, Tatsuya walked |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | up to Hattori. |
||
| − | Miyuki had indeed said too much. She had almost said the things that |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | shouldn't be said. However, it was Hattori who had made Miyuki say that |
||
| − | much. Tatsuya had no intention of putting all the blame on Miyuki alone. |
||
| − | "Vice-President Hattori, why don't we have a mock battle?" |
||
| − | "What...?" |
||
| − | The people who were lost for words from the surprise request were not |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | limited to the challengee, Hattori, alone. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi, and also Mari, looked at the two of them in dumbfounded |
||
| − | amazement from the unexpected daring retaliation. |
||
| − | Under everyone's gaze, Hattori's body started quivering. |
||
| − | "Don't be too conceited, for a mere reserve!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | The one who gave a small shriek was Azusa. |
||
| − | The other three, as expected of upperclassmen, remained composed. |
||
| − | And then, a small wry smile surfaced on the troubled face of the one who |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | was getting verbally abused. |
||
| − | "What's so funny?!" |
||
| − | "A Magician should remain calm, right?" |
||
| − | "Kuh!" |
||
| − | Having his own words thrown back at him in ridicule, Hattori held his |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | breath. |
||
| − | Tatsuya didn't stop there. He did not feel like stopping. |
||
| − | "As it is, I think that we won't know each other's anti-personnel battle skill |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | without fighting. |
||
| − | It's not like I want to become a Public Morals Committee member but... if |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | it's for proving that my little sister's judgment is not clouded, then it cannot |
||
| − | be helped." |
||
| − | He seemed to be mumbling to himself. |
||
| − | To Hattori, it sounded like a challenge. |
||
| − | "...Fine. I'll give you a good lesson on what it is to know your place." |
||
| − | It was not just his mouth that had betrayed his agitation. His controlled |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | tone, on the contrary, indicated the depth of his anger. |
||
| − | Without a moment's delay, Mayumi interjected. |
||
| − | "As the Student Council President, I authorize the formal mock battle |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | match between 2nd Year Class B, Hattori Gyoubu and 1st Year Class E, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Shiba Tatsuya." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "On the basis of the Student Council President's declaration, as the Chair |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | of Public Morals Committee, I recognize that the match between the two |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | of you as a legitimate extracurricular activity in abidance of the school |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | rules." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "The time of the match will be thirty minutes from now, at the third |
||
| − | practice room. The match will be a private one, and I authorize the use of |
||
| − | CADs by both sides." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It was a measure to prevent the match from becoming a brawling incident |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | — an act of violence forbidden by the school rules. |
||
| − | � |
||
| − | On the declaration from Mayumi and Mari with solemn expressions and |
||
| − | nonchalant voices, Azusa started typing furiously into the terminal. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's just the third day of school, and my cat is going to be out of the bag, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | huh..." |
||
| − | After retrieving his CAD case in exchange for the approval letter stamped |
||
| − | with the student council president's stamp (even now, this sort of thing was |
||
| − | still done on paper), Tatsuya grumbled just before the door to the third |
||
| − | practice room, and from behind him, came a voice that was on the verge of |
||
| − | tears. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm really sorry..." |
||
| − | "It's nothing you need to apologize for." |
||
| − | "But Onii-sama, it's because of my fault that I'm causing trouble to you |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | again..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Turning around, and taking half a step, Tatsuya held his hand above his |
||
| − | little sister's head. |
||
| − | Miyuki's body trembled as she closed her eyes. But, after feeling the gentle |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | pat on her head, she timidly looked up. |
||
| − | Even now, her tears threatened to spill from her eyes. |
||
| − | "I said this too during the school entrance ceremony, right? |
||
| − | I always feel that I'm being saved by you whenever you get angry in my |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | place, when I am unable to get angry myself. |
||
| − | ...Don't apologize. Now is the time to say something more appropriate." |
||
| − | "Yes... please do your best." |
||
| − | Wiping off a tear with a finger, Miyuki smiled, and in similar fashion, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya smiled, nodded, and opened the door to the practice room. |
||
| − | "This is surprising." |
||
| − | Upon opening the door, this was the line said to him. |
||
| − | "What is?" |
||
| − | The one who was receiving Tatsuya at the door, was the appointed judge |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | for this match, Mari. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "I was referring to your unexpected enthusiasm at fighting. I thought you |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | were one who wasn't bothered by the remarks of others." |
||
| − | Even while she was talking about her surprise, her eyes were sparkling |
||
| − | with anticipation. A deep sigh welled up in his throat, but Tatsuya, with his |
||
| − | steel-like self-restraint — describing it in this manner may be a little |
||
| − | exaggerating but — swallowed it anyway. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I thought it was the job of a Public Morals Committee member to stop |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | personal fights." |
||
| − | Instead of a sigh, he couldn't help but let loose a somewhat sarcastic |
||
| − | remark. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | While there was not a single sign of Mari rebutting that. |
||
| − | "This is not a personal fight. It's a formal match. |
||
| − | Mayumi said it too, didn't she? |
||
| − | The rule of strength is not something applied between the Course 1 and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Course 2 students. Rather, it is something applied between Course 1 |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | students themselves. |
||
| − | This is the very first time we are using such a method to settle things |
||
| − | between a Course 1 and Course 2 student, you see." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | I see. On the contrary, it is encouraged to settle disagreements by force if |
||
| − | they can't be settled by words alone. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Didn't the number of 'formal matches' increase ever since you became the |
||
| − | Chair of the Public Morals Committee, senpai?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Indeed, it did increase." |
||
| − | Her calm attitude caused not just Tatsuya, but even Miyuki who was |
||
| − | waiting behind him to smile wryly. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Then, Mari suddenly turned serious and brought her face close. |
||
| − | "Well, are you confident?" |
||
| − | At a distance where he could hear her breathing, she asked in a whisper. |
||
| − | Miyuki's beautiful eyebrows rose at that overly close distance, but as |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya's field of view was largely occupied by Mari's face which was |
||
| − | giving off a meaningful smile, it was fortunate (?) that he could not see his |
||
| − | little sister's overreaction. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | With her head partially lowered with a pair of upturned, almond-shaped |
||
| − | eyes, and in addition to that, a faint, sweet scent drifting toward him, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Tatsuya became conscious of his own sexual excitement. |
||
| − | In the instant he was conscious of it, to the object called 'himself', it |
||
| − | became a phenomenon born from inside of him, which was then severed |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | from himself. His excitement was converted to mere information inside of |
||
| − | him. |
||
| − | "Hattori is skilled enough to be among the top five in our school. If I have |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | to say, he's more inclined towards group battles, and individual fights are |
||
| − | not his specialty, but still, there is hardly anyone who can win against him |
||
| − | in one-on-one." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In an alluring high pitch voice, Mari whispered those words which were |
||
| − | devoid of any sexual charm. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm not thinking of fighting him head on." |
||
| − | But, without the slightest sign of wavering, Tatsuya replied in a voice |
||
| − | which could be said to be more a mechanical than a cold one. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "You are pretty calm... I've lost a little confidence." |
||
| − | While saying that, Mari was clearly amused. |
||
| − | "Haah." |
||
| − | Without saying anything else, Tatsuya gave a vague nod. |
||
| − | "At a time like this, if your face turns red, which will make you cuter, the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | number of people who will lend you their strength will increase, I think." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Grinning as she stepped back, Mari then walked to the starting line in the |
||
| − | center. |
||
| − | "What a troublesome fella..." |
||
| − | She's probably the type who would seek chaos in order and bring about |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | order in chaos, thought Tatsuya. |
||
| − | To a person living in tranquility, she was a troublemaker. |
||
| − | While letting out his first sigh at his human relationships, which were |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | filled with remarkable ups and downs ever since entering this school, he |
||
| − | opened his CAD case. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The black attaché case contained a pair of CADs in the shape of handguns. |
||
| − | He took out one of them, pulled out a cartridge shape from the place where |
||
| − | a magazine would be lodged into a real gun, and exchanged it for |
||
| − | something else. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Except for Miyuki, everyone watched him intently with deep interest. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Sorry for the wait." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Do you always carry additional storage cartridges with you?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | The number of activation sequences that could be used with a Specialized |
||
| − | CAD was limited. In contrast to the Generalized CAD which could store |
||
| − | up to ninety-nine types of Activation Sequences without regard to the |
||
| − | systems of magic, the Specialized CAD could only store nine types of |
||
| − | Activation Sequences of a single system of magic. To remedy this |
||
| − | disadvantage, CAD devices that could store alternate, exchangeable |
||
| − | Activation Sequences were developed, but since Specialized CADs were |
||
| − | originally intended for Magicians who are strong in specific Magic |
||
| − | Sequences, the need for an increased arsenal of magic is not too high. |
||
| − | More often than not, even when multiple storage were carried, most still |
||
| − | relied on using one type of magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, from Tatsuya's answer to Mari's curiosity, it would have been |
||
| − | safe to assume he belonged to the minority. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Yes, I am unable to smoothly operate the Generalized CAD as I can't cope |
||
| − | well with them." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori, who was standing across from him, sneered slightly upon hearing |
||
| − | this, but this did not impact Tatsuya's mindset in the slightest. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Alright, allow me to explain the rules. In terms of either direct or indirect |
||
| − | attacks, lethal attacks are forbidden. Techniques that deal permanent |
||
| − | disabilities to the opponent are also forbidden. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Abilities that cause direct harm to the physical body are forbidden. |
||
| − | However, direct attacks that do not result in anything greater than bone |
||
| − | fractures are permitted. |
||
| − | |||
| − | No weapons at any time. Unarmed combat is allowed. If you plan on using |
||
| − | kicking techniques, please remove your shoes and change into the school's |
||
| − | soft boots. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The condition for defeat is when the judge has determined one side is |
||
| − | unable to continue the battle. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Both sides please move behind your respective starting lines, and do not |
||
| − | activate your CAD until I give the signal. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Breaking the rules results in an automatic defeat. I will use my full |
||
| − | strength to stop it, so remember that. That is all." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Both Tatsuya and Hattori nodded at this, walked towards the starting lines |
||
| − | that were five meters apart, and stood facing one another. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori's expression was more solemn than mocking or challenging, but his |
||
| − | face still betrayed an easy-going demeanor. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The initial position was out of physical reaching distance. Even if the |
||
| − | opponent possessed the charging power of a professional soccer player, |
||
| − | magic was still faster at this distance. Because this was a magic-based |
||
| − | contest, the side with the superior magical attack would naturally have the |
||
| − | advantage. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In this situation, the one who invoked their magic first would usually win. |
||
| − | Even if the initial attack did not completely defeat the opponent, some |
||
| − | degree of damage was unavoidable. There were very few people that had |
||
| − | the mental discipline to absorb magical damage and still calmly work their |
||
| − | magic. Since sustaining magical damage also disrupted the magic creation |
||
| − | process, as long as one continued to attack, victory was assured. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Also, under the condition that both sides activated their CADs at the same |
||
| − | time, Hattori firmly believed that he, a Course 1 student, had no chance of |
||
| − | losing against an upstart Course 2 student. CAD was a tool that minimized |
||
| − | casting time. Even if someone tried to secretly use a non-CAD based |
||
| − | magical ability before the starting signal, it would still be no match against |
||
| − | the CAD's speed. On top of that, how quickly one could invoke their |
||
| − | magic using a CAD made up the bulk of an individual's magic technical |
||
| − | score. This was the defining difference between Course 1 and Course 2 |
||
| − | students. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya held a handgun-shaped Specialized CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori wore a traditional bracelet-shaped Generalized CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Specialized CADs had the advantage in speed, while Generalized CADs |
||
| − | had the advantage in versatility. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Nonetheless, even if Specialized CADs had a speed advantage over |
||
| − | Generalized CADs, that alone could not overcome the difference between |
||
| − | Course 1 and Course 2 students. And the opponent was a new student. |
||
| − | Hattori's conclusion was that there was absolutely no way that he could |
||
| − | lose, a consideration that was neither conceited nor overconfident. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya pointed the CAD he held in his right hand towards the floor, |
||
| − | |||
| − | And waited for Mari's signal. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The simulation room returned to complete silence. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Just as that silence was about to fill every corner of the room... |
||
| − | "...Begin!" |
||
| − | The "formal match" between Tatsuya and Hattori officially began. |
||
| − | Hattori slid his right hand over the CAD. |
||
| − | While the action only consisted of tapping three key points, not a single |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | spare movement was wasted. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Originally, his specialization was in medium-ranged wide area attack |
||
| − | magic. |
||
| − | If anything, when it came to one-on-one close quarter matches, they were |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | not his forte. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | But even when we say that "they were not his forte", since entering high |
||
| − | school the year before, Hattori still stood undefeated in battle. |
||
| − | While he might have yielded before the Big Three which consisted of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Mari, a specialist in both individual and group anti-personnel combat, |
||
| − | Mayumi, who could freely employ astounding, high-speed, high precision |
||
| − | shooting magic, and Juumonji, a club captain who had gained a peculiar |
||
| − | title known as "Iron Wall", Hattori had the confidence that he could hold |
||
| − | his own against other students or even groups of teachers. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | That pride did not come from overconfidence. |
||
| − | The simplistic Activation Sequence that heavily relied on speed was |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | already complete, and in a flash, Hattori had already entered the Magic |
||
| − | Invocation stage. |
||
| − | At this moment, he almost let out a cry of surprise. |
||
| − | His opponent, that arrogant 1st Year student, was somehow close enough |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | to fill his entire vision. |
||
| − | He hurriedly changed his target, and prepared to unleash his magic. |
||
| − | Basic Single System Movement-Type Magic. |
||
| − | Any opponent caught by this magic would be flung back over a dozen |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | meters and knocked unconscious by the impact, ending the battle. |
||
| − | But, the magic ended without invoking. |
||
| − | There should have been no problems with the Activation Sequence. |
||
| − | His opponent had vanished. |
||
| − | While the target of Magic Sequences did not have to be very specific, if |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | the target that was originally in the line of sight suddenly disappeared, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | spell failure was inevitable. |
||
| − | The Psion Information Aide that was supposed to keep track of his |
||
| − | opponent's status and location vanished without any effect, just as a |
||
| − | powerful "wave motion" approached Hattori from the flank, who was too |
||
| − | busy looking left and right for his opponent. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Three consecutive wave motions. |
||
| − | Each wave motion overlapped with one another inside Hattori's body, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | causing massive swaying to break out that ultimately resulted in Hattori |
||
| − | losing consciousness. |
||
| − | Victory was decided in an instant. |
||
| − | The entire match lasted less than 5 seconds, and could be appropriately |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | described as an instant win. |
||
| − | In front of Tatsuya's CAD, Hattori keeled over. |
||
| − | "...Winner, Shiba Tatsuya." |
||
| − | Mari cautiously announced the name of the winner. |
||
| − | There was not a trace of joy on the winner's face. |
||
| − | That expression was appropriate for someone who had merely arrived at |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the expected result. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | He gave a short bow, then walked towards the table that held the CAD |
||
| − | cases. |
||
| − | It wasn't just his posture; he was wholly uninterested in his victory. |
||
| − | "Wait." |
||
| − | Mari called out from behind him. |
||
| − | "That movement right there... Did you preemptively input a Speed |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Ability?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Hearing this, Mayumi, Suzune, and Azusa all began reflecting on the |
||
| − | match. |
||
| − | At the moment the start signal was given, Tatsuya had moved in front of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori. |
||
| − | At the next instant, he was several meters behind Hattori's right flank. |
||
| − | Anyone would mistake that speed for Flash Step. |
||
| − | A normal human body is incapable of that sort of motion. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "The fact that that is impossible...I think Senpai is more aware of that than |
||
| − | anyone." |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was just as Tatsuya said. As the judge, Mari was closely observing |
||
| − | whether CADs were being activated. Not just the obvious CADs, but even |
||
| − | for hidden CADs, the flow of psions would have been obvious to her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "But, that?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "That wasn't magic, that was a bona fide physical technique." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I can testify to that as well. That is Onii-sama's physical technique. Oniisama |
||
| − | was mentored by Kokonoe Yakumo-sensei." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mari held her breath. For someone as versed in combat as she was, the |
||
| − | name Kokonoe Yakumo was quite familiar. Mayumi and Suzune did not |
||
| − | know of Kokonoe like Mari, but they too could not hide their surprise that |
||
| − | someone could accomplish such a feat that was normally written off as |
||
| − | something that could only be accomplished through the aid of magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi recovered from her astonishment. From the perspective of |
||
| − | someone who had studied magic, she also had her own question. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Was that attack also Ninjutsu? I thought I saw the release of Psion wave |
||
| − | motions." |
||
| − | |||
| − | That being said, her voice and word selection had both stiffened, probably |
||
| − | because she still hadn't completely overcome her shock. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Generally, inquiring about another Magician's unreleased abilities, or even |
||
| − | to ask how the ability works, is against the rules. But, for someone such as |
||
| − | Mayumi who uses Psion Bullets, for Tatsuya to use Psions that had no |
||
| − | physical manifestation as weapons, and exactly how he managed to |
||
| − | damage Hattori... these burning questions could not be suppressed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "You're correct. The attack was not Ninjutsu, but based on Psion wave |
||
| − | motions. The foundation of that Psion motion wave came from Oscillationtype |
||
| − | Basic Single System Magic." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Given that, I still don't understand how you knocked out Hanzou." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Causing him to faint was enough." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Faint? How did that happen?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | As he watched Mayumi tilt her head, Tatsuya's expression did not become |
||
| − | more troubled as he continued to explain. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "For Magicians, Psions can be discernible just like visible light and sound |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | waves. This is a mandatory skill for magic, but the side effect is that when |
||
| − | Magicians are exposed to unexpected Psion wave motions, they frequently |
||
| − | misinterpret that their bodies are swaying. This misunderstanding directly |
||
| − | affects the physical body. The reasoning behind this is very similar to |
||
| − | hypnotic suggestion, where people under hypnosis are induced into |
||
| − | thinking they suffered 'burn injuries', then find out that the physical |
||
| − | symptoms reflect their thinking. During the match, I used this illusion of |
||
| − | 'swaying motions', causing him to feel an extreme case of seasickness." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I can't believe it... Magicians are usually exposed to Psion wave motions, |
||
| − | and thus become accustomed to these surges. For External Systemic |
||
| − | Magic, both Activation Sequences and Magic Sequences are types of Psion |
||
| − | wave motions. And yet despite this, to be able to disable a Magician |
||
| − | through Psion surge alone, and to cause such a strong effect, exactly |
||
| − | how..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The one who answered Mayumi's question was Suzune. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Compound waves." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Rin-chan?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Just this short sentence was not sufficient for the intelligent Mayumi to |
||
| − | understand. Naturally, Suzune's explanation wasn't finished. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "By consecutively creating three varied vibrations, then have their |
||
| − | intersection point at Hattori-kun's location, thus creating an equilateral |
||
| − | surge through these powerful wave motions. To think you were capable of |
||
| − | making such precise calculations." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Quite the explanation, Ichihara-senpai." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Although Suzune was also quite shocked at Tatsuya's calculation abilities, |
||
| − | |||
| − | she also deserves considerable credit for comprehending the mechanics |
||
| − | after seeing it only once, Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, Suzune's real question was in another area. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Speaking of this, how were you able to consecutively invoke vibration |
||
| − | magic 3 times? If your technical speed is so high, how come your technical |
||
| − | score is this low?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | At such a direct reference to his low scores, Tatsuya could only force a |
||
| − | small smile. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Ever since laying eyes on Tatsuya's CAD, Azusa could not calm down in |
||
| − | the slightest and now tentatively offered a question. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Tatsuya-kun, is that CAD the 'Silver Horn'?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Silver Horn? Silver, as in the Silver from that mysterious genius Magic |
||
| − | Designer Taurus Silver?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | At Mayumi's question, Azusa visibly brightened. |
||
| − | |||
| − | At times described as a "Device Geek", Azusa happily explained away. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "That's him! The miraculous CAD engineer associated with Four Leaves |
||
| − | Technology, whose name, appearance, and data all remain a mystery! |
||
| − | |||
| − | The genius programmer who was the first in the world to make the Loop |
||
| − | Cast System a reality. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Ah, Loop Cast System is the Activation Sequence that skips the step of |
||
| − | restarting each Activation Sequence. If the Magic Sequence is the same, |
||
| − | then the CAD no longer has to restart the Activation Sequence each time. |
||
| − | This is done by adding a copying power to the Magic Calculation Area's |
||
| − | execution mode, adding a copy of the Activation Sequence's last parts to |
||
| − | the Activation Sequence itself, so Magicians can endlessly invoke magics |
||
| − | within their ability. Although the theory existed in the past, but to calculate |
||
| − | the Invocation Sequence and copy the Activation Sequence separately at |
||
| − | the same time, no one could do it until now..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Stop! I know what Loop Cast is." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "In that case... |
||
| − | |||
| − | In that case, Silver Horn is the name of the Fully Customizable Specialized |
||
| − | CAD developed by Taurus Silver! |
||
| − | |||
| − | Naturally, it has the best adjustments for the Loop Cast System, is able to |
||
| − | invoke magic stably using the least amount of Magic Power, is critically |
||
| − | acclaimed, and is especially popular among the law enforcement |
||
| − | population. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Although it's sold on the market, but that requires a special procedure and |
||
| − | fee! And judging from the way the barrel is longer than the traditional |
||
| − | model, yours must be a limited edition model?! Where did you get that?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "A-chan, calm down a little." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Maybe it was because of asthma, but Azusa's chest was heaving as her |
||
| − | eyes were glued onto the item held in Tatsuya's hand. If Mayumi, who was |
||
| − | well aware of Azusa's interests, hadn't been on hand to stop her, she would |
||
| − | have probably been admiring it from a very close proximity. |
||
| − | |||
| − | On the other hand, Mayumi still had another question. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "But, Rin-chan. Isn't that strange? No matter how capable the Loop Cast |
||
| − | CAD is, Loop Cast still can't..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | After the talking stopped, Suzune nodded as she tilted her head like |
||
| − | Mayumi. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "That is strange. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Loop Cast is designed for consecutively casting one type of magic. Even if |
||
| − | it is the same vibration magic, if the wavelength and number of vibrations |
||
| − | set by the Magician changes, these would cause differences to occur within |
||
| − | the Activation Sequence. If the Loop Cast automatically copies the original |
||
| − | Activation Sequence, then it would be impossible to account for the |
||
| − | differences in order to achieve 'Compounding Waves'. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If you set the number of vibrations as another variable, then it may be |
||
| − | possible to use the same Activation Sequence to achieve 'Compounding |
||
| − | Waves' while still accounting for all the differences. But if target, strength, |
||
| − | time of duration are all variables, and you include number of vibrations as |
||
| − | another variable... Don't tell me you managed to calculate all of that?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | This time even Suzune was stunned to the point of speechlessness, and |
||
| − | under her gaze Tatsuya merely shrugged. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It doesn't matter if it's multi-variable quantitative processing speed, |
||
| − | calculation scale, or even interference strength. None of these are subjects |
||
| − | that are assigned a grade." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Before Mayumi and Mari's gaze, Tatsuya remained ambivalent as he said |
||
| − | that aloud. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...The evaluation of magic technical skills only includes Invocation |
||
| − | Speed, the scale of the Magic Sequence, and phenomena rewriting ability. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I see now, so the test is not capable of completely measuring a person's |
||
| − | ability..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | With a groan, Hattori sat up and answered Tatsuya's ironic statement. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Hanzou-kun, are you alright?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm fine!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi bent at the waist and looked over Hattori. In response, Hattori |
||
| − | quickly dodged the incoming face and hurriedly got to his feet. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I see, so you were all worried about this from the beginning." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori could not have said this if he had not overheard their earlier |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | conversation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi straightened herself, then nodded with a look of understanding on |
||
| − | her face. Hattori was directly facing her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "No, in the beginning I really hadn't realized!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Still flushed in the face, he hurriedly searched for an argument. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "After I lost consciousness I was still in a hazy state... I only regained |
||
| − | movement just now!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Put it this way... It looked as if it was very easy to understand the |
||
| − | underlying emotions. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Is that so...? Then you must have understood completely what we just |
||
| − | said?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...Eh, yes! Even if still hazy, my ears could still hear the words..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | It seemed like Mayumi perfectly understood the feelings Hattori held |
||
| − | towards her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Evil woman...? Even if there was this impression, but the connotations |
||
| − | behind those words did not adequately fit her surroundings, Tatsuya |
||
| − | decided to stop pursuing this line of thought. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Whatever the reality was, there was also the possibility that he simply |
||
| − | misread the situation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya continued the work that was interrupted by Mari's shout. |
||
| − | |||
| − | ...Putting it like that would be overly pretentious, since all he was doing |
||
| − | was returning the CAD to the case. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya pretended not to see Azusa, who was staring at the object in his |
||
| − | hands with an expression that clearly said "Do Want". |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya also ignored his sister's gaze that suggested she wanted to help. |
||
| − | That was because Miyuki wasn't very adept with machines. Mechanical |
||
| − | dunce, or high tech allergies would not be an inappropriate description, |
||
| − | especially since Tatsuya's CAD was customized to the point that a normal |
||
| − | high school student would not be able to handle them (on the other hand, |
||
| − | because the school's CADs only received limited adjustments, Tatsuya |
||
| − | could not use them to the full extent of his abilities). The truth was, if |
||
| − | Miyuki came to help, it would only increase the workload. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He replaced the storage device and reset the safety. The sound of footsteps |
||
| − | approached Tatsuya from behind. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Looks like the explanations were at an end. |
||
| − | What followed next did not concern him, so Tatsuya did not turn around. |
||
| − | "Shiba-san." |
||
| − | "Yes." |
||
| − | Miyuki replied in a displeased tone. |
||
| − | Including Tatsuya, there were only two males in the room, so even if the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | tone was completely different from before, there was no mistaking who the |
||
| − | speaker was. |
||
| − | "Earlier, I made a rude comment concerning your favoritism." |
||
| − | There was also no mistake in who the speaker of the voice was talking to. |
||
| − | "I was the one whose judgment was clouded. Please forgive me." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I also spoke too arrogantly. Please forgive me." |
||
| − | Tatsuya was also perfectly aware, despite his back facing them, about who |
||
| − | was bowing to the other one. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Sometimes it was hard to tell who was the older and more mature sibling. |
||
| − | Tatsuya pursed his lips and locked the CAD case. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | He slowly turned around. |
||
| − | For a second, Hattori revealed a cowed expression, but quickly returned to |
||
| − | a tougher stance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | During that split second of peace, was it preparation for reconciliation, or |
||
| − | the harbinger for a rematch? |
||
| − | Before either possibility could occur, the moment disappeared. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In the end, Hattori only met Tatsuya's gaze briefly, before turning around. |
||
| − | Feeling the burning fury emanate from beside him, Tatsuya only lightly |
||
| − | patted Miyuki on the shoulder. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | They were going to work together in the same Student Council from now |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | onwards, so leaving behind any bad blood would only hurt Miyuki. |
||
| − | As if Tatsuya's thoughts were telepathically transferred over, Miyuki |
||
| − | quickly mastered herself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Let's head back to the Student Council Room!" |
||
| − | At Mayumi's words, every member began to move. |
||
| − | Behind Suzune, Azusa, and Hattori, Mayumi's face revealed a look that |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | said "It can't be helped". |
||
| − | |||
| − | Following that, Mari became aware of Tatsuya's gaze, and shrugged as if |
||
| − | she didn't want the other four to notice. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | After placing the CAD back into the workroom, Tatsuya returned to the |
||
| − | Student Council Room, where Mari immediately grabbed his wrist. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki, who was being tutored by Azusa near the terminal on the wall, |
||
| − | raised an eyebrow at this, while Tatsuya could only signal through his eyes |
||
| − | that this couldn't be helped... Although, Tatsuya harbored doubts as to |
||
| − | whether she could understand this. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He forcibly suppressed his subconscious urge to throw the other person |
||
| − | aside. Though come to speak of it, to be able to capture her target in such a |
||
| − | narrow window, Mari's physical abilities must be quite impressive as well. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "While a lot of unexpected events occurred, let's go with the original plan |
||
| − | and head to the Public Moral Committee HQ!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | As if not caring about Tatsuya's (largely confused) mental concerns, Mari |
||
| − | dragged him away by the arm. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki finally noticed Tatsuya's confused expression, and redirected her |
||
| − | gaze back to the terminal. Albeit, with great difficulty. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hattori never raised his head since Tatsuya entered the Student Council |
||
| − | Room. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It looked like he was trying to ignore everything in that direction, which |
||
| − | was probably his greatest concession from an emotional standpoint. For |
||
| − | this, Tatsuya was extremely thankful. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi hastily batted her hand. Exactly what that was for, or what |
||
| − | meaning it was trying to convey...? Among the people that Tatsuya had |
||
| − | already met, she was probably the hardest to understand. |
||
| − | |||
| − | That should probably be tabled for a later date. |
||
| − | |||
| − | After much difficulty (largely persuasion), Tatsuya was able to free his |
||
| − | wrist, and obediently followed Mari. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In the room's farthest corner, in a spot where there would normally be a |
||
| − | fire escape, there was instead a staircase leading to the Public Moral |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Committee HQ. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Are we ignoring fire safety standards? (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya ruminated on this, but even if the students were learning on the |
||
| − | job, or even brand new, as long as there were excellent Magicians on hand, |
||
| − | the lack of firefighting equipment shouldn't have been a problem. Simply |
||
| − | using vibration or speed magics was enough to put out a fire, then the use a |
||
| − | combination of Gather-Move Smoke Magic would be enough to expel it. |
||
| − | In truth, large scale fires in tall skyscrapers were yet another area that |
||
| − | Magicians could display their skills. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Given that the lack of an elevator was within the boundaries of fire safety, |
||
| − | the rest can be forgiven, Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In regards to Tatsuya, who was right on her heels through the door into |
||
| − | headquarters, Mari pointed towards the chairs next to the table, and said, |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's a little bit of a mess. You can rest there for a second." |
||
| − | |||
| − | So this only qualified as a little. That being said, it was not like there was |
||
| − | no place to put one's foot down, or that all the chairs were covered with |
||
| − | luggage. It was probably because they just came from the neat and tidy |
||
| − | Student Council Room, so this image was especially jarring, but that was |
||
| − | as much as could be expected. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Books, portable terminals, and even CADs, all sorts of items covered the |
||
| − | table. Tatsuya slightly cleared out a space on one of the half-pulled out |
||
| − | chairs beside the table. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The Public Moral Committee Room is like a bachelor's home. Even |
||
| − | though I've told them to pick up after themselves time and time again, |
||
| − | there's still no one who listens..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It can't be helped when no one is around." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Not knowing if Tatsuya's comment was out of mockery or comfort, Mari |
||
| − | wrinkled her brow upon hearing this. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...Our primary objective is patrolling school grounds. The state of affairs |
||
| − | within HQ couldn't be avoided." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Presently, there were only two people in the room. The Public Moral |
||
| − | Committee consisted of nine people, but the space within the room could |
||
| − | accommodate a group of people many times greater than the current roster. |
||
| − | Within this space, the idle atmosphere and dispersed items only served to |
||
| − | increase the sense of uncleanliness. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | What drew Tatsuya's attention, aside from the obvious messiness of the |
||
| − | room, were the cluttered objects on the table. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Even so, Chief, would it be okay if I tidied up a bit?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "What..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | At Tatsuya's sudden proposal, Mari raised an eyebrow in surprise. — |
||
| − | Surprise was well within a senpai's acting repertoire. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | "As someone aiming to be a Magic Artificer, I can't stand it when I see |
||
| − | CADs scattered around like this. I have the same stance towards |
||
| − | abandoned or disabled terminals." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Because of this, Tatsuya's priorities in task management had changed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Aiming to be a Magic Artificer? Even with that level of anti-personnel |
||
| − | combat capability?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | At Tatsuya's words, Mari earnestly tilted her head a bit. From the recent |
||
| − | contest, despite the brief time that had elapsed, the level of anti-personnel |
||
| − | combat was superb. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "No matter how hard I try, my abilities can get me to a C-Rank License at |
||
| − | best." |
||
| − | |||
| − | But, just as if he was discussing someone else's affairs, Tatsuya mildly |
||
| − | used a self-depreciating comment to counter Mari. Mari was too |
||
| − | astonished to find any words to rebut that. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In most countries, Magicians operated under the licensing system. The |
||
| − | system was based on international standards, from which this country was |
||
| − | not an exception. It doesn't matter if you work for the corporations, the |
||
| − | government, or even open a private practice, the difficulty and need both |
||
| − | reflect upon the level of licensure. Magicians with higher licensing levels |
||
| − | received a higher level of compensation; this is the rule of society. |
||
| − | |||
| − | International licenses have 5 levels between A and E. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Selection and ranking are based on Magic Sequence design and usage |
||
| − | speeds, scale, and interference strength, which were the exact same scales |
||
| − | used in high school technical skills testing. In other words, the educational |
||
| − | technical skills grading scale was designed to naturally lead into |
||
| − | international licensing standards. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There is a separate, special set of standards for law enforcement and the |
||
| − | military, but at the end of the day, those standards are for "law |
||
| − | enforcement" or "military types", and not designed to measure Magicians. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "...So, it's okay if I clean up this area?" |
||
| − | "Ah? Hm, I'll help too. We can talk while we work." |
||
| − | Mari hurriedly stood up, probably because she was the type that naturally |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | looked after other people. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Or maybe it was because just sitting there watching Tatsuya toil away at |
||
| − | the piles of books was simply rude. |
||
| − | While both of them worked at similar speeds, when compared to the empty |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | space in front of Tatsuya, the pile in front of Mari did not decrease in size, |
||
| − | and the surface of the table still wasn't visible. |
||
| − | Tatsuya gave it a brief glance. |
||
| − | And let out a small sigh. |
||
| − | Mari stopped her hands in a clear sign of surrender. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Sorry, I'm really bad at this type of work." |
||
| − | She might bear the biggest responsibility for the state of the room, Tatsuya |
||
| − | thought. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | That only remained in his thoughts and was not verbalized, given that he |
||
| − | was a mature adult... maybe. (!) |
||
| − | "Speaking of which, you're quite familiar with those." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "What are you referring to?" |
||
| − | "The book categories. I thought you were just going to put them |
||
| − | somewhere else, but I didn't expect you to sort them by subject." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...Excuse me, sitting on the table is a little..." |
||
| − | In a sudden change of attitude, Mari sat down on the table in the open area |
||
| − | that Tatsuya cleared away, looking at the disorganized pile of books. Her |
||
| − | dress was directly touching Tatsuya's wrist. The cloth subtly covered the |
||
| − | thigh area, leading to a charming pair of slim legs. Even though the flesh |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | was completely covered, the outline left nothing to imagination, thus |
||
| − | rendering that position a terrible distraction to mental state. |
||
| − | "Ah, sorry." |
||
| − | Needless to say, Mari's voice did not show a trace of apologetic tone. — |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Any intentional response would only bring about the reverse effect, thus |
||
| − | proving the idiom, silence is golden. |
||
| − | He dug out the bookcase from the pile of books, and placed them properly |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | on the shelves. In this day and age, both paper-based books and |
||
| − | bookshelves are considered rarities. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Not to mention that they were magical texts. |
||
| − | "In terms of why we scouted you — on this matter, we went over this |
||
| − | earlier. It is to properly adjudicate cases of improper magic usage, and to |
||
| − | improve the perception of Course 2 students." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I remember, but I think that this tactic may cause considerable backlash... |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | May I take a look at this book?" |
||
| − | After sorting the books, the terminals still needed work. After asking Mari |
||
| − | for permission to examine the data, to which Mari had nodded in |
||
| − | agreement, Tatsuya restored the terminal to working order, cut the power, |
||
| − | shifted the terminal to storage mode, and gathered the parts in one area. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Why do you think that way?" |
||
| − | "Even though we never mentioned this aloud, if an underclassman were |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | apprehended by someone of equal standing, this would naturally lead to |
||
| − | negative reactions." |
||
| − | He left the seat, and began searching the cabinets by the wall. |
||
| − | After placing the terminal within an empty cabinet, he heard a completely |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | irresponsible comment of "That's true" coming from behind him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "But at the same time, 1st Year students would welcome this change. |
||
| − | Haven't your fellow students talked about this?" |
||
| − | "Yes..." |
||
| − | After sorting the terminals, he looked towards other cabinets. |
||
| − | "I think that if a Course 1 student took over, the negative reaction would |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | outnumber the welcoming reaction." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | After locating the target, Tatsuya straightened himself, rotating his |
||
| − | shoulders before taking off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves. |
||
| − | "Resentment is likely inevitable. But in regard to newly enrolled Course 1 |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | students, they might not have been exposed to the discriminating thinking |
||
| − | long enough to become prejudiced, right?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Who knows?" |
||
| − | The object that Tatsuya carefully removed from the cabinet seemed to be a |
||
| − | CAD case. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Just yesterday I ran into the 'I don't acknowledge you' declaration." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | After wrapping the grounded protector around his sleeveless wrist, he |
||
| − | |||
| − | reached his hand towards the pile of CADs. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Thank goodness you carry even this type of equipment... Was that person |
||
| − | |||
| − | Morisaki?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "This is quite convenient... You know him too?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "The teachers recommended him to join the committee." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Eh?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The hand that was examining the CAD status faltered slightly. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | He hastily picked up the CAD that fell to the ground. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "So even you can be surprised." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Of course." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In response to Mari's laughter, Tatsuya's response was colored by his |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | sighing tone. |
||
| − | If only there was a way to undercut all this antagonism... |
||
| − | "Due to yesterday's ruckus, there are grounds for withdrawing the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | recommendation, which was what I planned to do, but yesterday's event |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | had nothing to do with you." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I was involved as well." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Well then, if we were able to recruit you, it would be much harder to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | reject him." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Why not simply take neither of us, what do you think?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Do you dislike it?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Upon receiving such a direct question, Tatsuya stopped the work of his |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | hands. |
||
| − | Temporarily, he put the CAD back into the box, and raised his head. |
||
| − | Mari was sitting on the table looking downwards at Tatsuya's face without |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | a smile on her face. |
||
| − | Her slender and delicate gaze seemed to see right through Tatsuya. |
||
| − | "...To tell the truth, I find it very troublesome." |
||
| − | "Hm... And?" |
||
| − | "Despite thinking that it's troublesome, I don't plan on backing out at this |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | point." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Mari's face once more revealed her delighted smirk. |
||
| − | Her devilish expression seemed to have increased her beauty two-fold. |
||
| − | "Senpai is the type of person who hates trouble too..." |
||
| − | "You're also the type who likes to cut corners." |
||
| − | Alas, Tatsuya could only admit that she won that round. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...This is the Public Moral Committee HQ, right?" |
||
| − | That was Mayumi's first question after descending the stairs. |
||
| − | "That was quite the unexpected greeting." |
||
| − | "What, this is all because of you, Mari. No matter how many times Rin |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | chan reminds you or how much A-chan begs you, you still haven't cleaned |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | up the place." |
||
| − | "I object to your hurtful and inaccurate description of the situation, |
||
| − | Mayumi! It's not that I don't want to clean up, but that I haven't started |
||
| − | yet!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "As a woman, you should pay more attention to this." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi narrowed her eyes as she squinted at Mari, who hurriedly turned |
||
| − | around. |
||
| − | "It's not like I don't want to... Ah, that." |
||
| − | Upon seeing Tatsuya busily examining a terminal's internal condition after |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | removing the protective cover, Mayumi displayed an understanding |
||
| − | expression as she nodded. |
||
| − | "So it's because he's been put to good use already." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Meh, just so." |
||
| − | Mari's back was still facing Mayumi as she replied, just as Tatsuya closed |
||
| − | the protective cover and turned around. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Chief, the inspections are complete. The damaged parts have already been |
||
| − | replaced. There should be no more problems." |
||
| − | "Good work." |
||
| − | Mari nodded quickly, but maybe he was reading too much into it, because |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Tatsuya thought he could see sweat beads on Mari's temple. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Cold sweat. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Eh... So you address Mari as Chief, which means we have successfully |
||
| − | recruited you." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I thought I never had the right to refuse in the first place..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya didn't even look at Mayumi's teasing expression, and deadpanned |
||
| − | his response. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi looked like she disapproved of Tatsuya's attitude. She placed one |
||
| − | hand on her hips, raised the other forefinger, directing her most displeased |
||
| − | gaze towards him as she was about to unleash her most exaggerated |
||
| − | attitude to voice her objection. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Tatsuya-kun, isn't your response to your older sister simply too rude?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | ...In short, the way Tatsuya framed his response was because he didn't have |
||
| − | an older sister. If he admitted this aloud, Tatsuya felt that the situation |
||
| − | would only grow worse, so he did not verbalize it. |
||
| − | |||
| − | No matter where it started or where it ended, it was so archetypal that no |
||
| − | real response was possible. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If anything, Mayumi's attitude towards him was overly casual, Tatsuya |
||
| − | thought to himself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He had entered this type of situation with similar impressions in the past, |
||
| − | and managed to sidestep the issue every time. This time however, Tatsuya |
||
| − | somehow felt that he was unable to do so. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "President, just in case, I want to clarify one thing with you." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Hm, what is it?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "We met for the first time just before the enrollment ceremony, right?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | It goes without saying that meeting for the first time might constitute an |
||
| − | overly familiar attitude, not to mention all the additional meanings behind |
||
| − | those words, as Mayumi's eyes widened upon hearing them. However, they |
||
| − | quickly reverted to their normal size and narrowed even more, to the point |
||
| − | that her expression could only be described as "wicked". |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya finally realized what a terrible move he made. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Just before, Mari had a very similar facial expression, now that Tatsuya |
||
| − | thought about it. So, this must be what people mean by birds of a feather |
||
| − | flock together, Tatsuya thought as he wished he could escape reality. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Is this how it is... Ho ho ho ho ho." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tiny devil would be a perfectly appropriate description for that smiling |
||
| − | face. |
||
| − | "Tatsuya-kun thinks that we've met before, right? And the day of the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | enrollment ceremony must be our fateful reunion!" |
||
| − | "No, wait, President?" |
||
| − | Exactly why were the tensions rising so quickly?. |
||
| − | "A long time ago we might have met once, then thrust apart by cruel fate, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | only to be united by destiny once more!" |
||
| − | If she was really reveling in those words, she would be a dangerous |
||
| − | person. But if she was acting this entire sequence out while purposefully |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | allowing everyone else to know she was acting, there was something |
||
| − | terribly wrong with that kind of personality. |
||
| − | "...Unfortunately, that was undoubtedly our first meeting." |
||
| − | "...I thought so too." |
||
| − | "I say, I say, unless you really got those fateful meeting vibes?" |
||
| − | Mayumi clasped her hands in front of her chest and pressed her face closer |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | towards Tatsuya. —She looked very excited, but in reality she was fooling |
||
| − | around. This suited her quite well... Truly, a terrible personality. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...Sorry, why are you so happy about this?" |
||
| − | Even if he used a question to answer a question, he wouldn't receive an |
||
| − | answer. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The only thing he received was that gaze filled with expectations. |
||
| − | She is an "S", Tatsuya jotted down in his mental notebook. |
||
| − | Seizing the opportunity, Tatsuya replied. |
||
| − | "...If this is destiny, then it definitely isn't fate, and looks more like doom." |
||
| − | Tatsuya's reply caused Mayumi's face to darken as she turned around. "Is |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | that so...?" A lonely muttering meandered to Tatsuya's ear. |
||
| − | Dark clouds of depression gathered behind her back. |
||
| − | Tatsuya also felt that he might have gone too far. Even though his response |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | was based on his estimation that Mayumi was completely teasing him, if |
||
| − | there was a shade of sincerity in them, then he needed to apologize. |
||
| − | However... |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | There was no way to tell if it was good luck or bad, but the sense of guilt |
||
| − | didn't linger for too long. |
||
| − | That was probably due to confusion, given the circumstances. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...Tch." |
||
| − | As her shoulders slumped slightly, Mayumi's lips dropped a sound that |
||
| − | could only mean a sense of defeat. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It was Tatsuya's turn to widen his eyes. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It was only a small sound to be sure, and not graceful in any way, but |
||
| − | could still be identified. (!) |
||
| − | "Um, President?" |
||
| − | "Hm, what is it?" |
||
| − | Mayumi turned around to face Tatsuya; her elegant smile would have |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | charmed any newly enrolled male student. |
||
| − | "...Why do I feel like I understand you a little better now, President?" |
||
| − | Feeling utterly exhausted, Tatsuya thought that he glimpsed Mayumi's real |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | face behind the mask. |
||
| − | And that is, a smiling face that loved to tease others. |
||
| − | "It's about time to stop the jokes. Tatsuya-kun, too much leisure time can |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | be a bad thing." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Towards Mayumi, who was completely guiltless and treated the entire |
||
| − | thing as a joke, Mari said, |
||
| − | "You can't use the same tricks you used on Hattori, Mayumi. Your |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | appearance doesn't work on him." |
||
| − | Mari took the opportunity to throw in her two cents. |
||
| − | "Don't describe others in such an evil manner. It's as if I like messing with |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | underclassmen." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Unable to ignore the previous comment, Mayumi's answer became a little |
||
| − | heated. |
||
| − | "Regarding what I just heard..." |
||
| − | Tatsuya deeply regretted opening his mouth with prior consideration, and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | began to clean up again. If he stayed too long in the miasma spread by the |
||
| − | others, he would definitely suffer additional damage. |
||
| − | "The difference in Mayumi's attitude is because she's already |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | acknowledged you, Tatsuya-kun. |
||
| − | She probably considers the two of you to be quite alike in some areas. |
||
| − | In other words, she's playing coy. She only takes off her mask in front of |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the people she acknowledges." |
||
| − | At Mari's oddly solemn expression, Tatsuya felt a sense of unease. |
||
| − | "Don't believe what Mari says, Tatsuya-kun. |
||
| − | But, I guess I do acknowledge you? |
||
| − | It feels like I can't deal with you the same way I treat the others. |
||
| − | Maybe the one touched by fate is me." |
||
| − | Hearing this, and seeing Mayumi's smiling face that no sane man could |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | hate, Tatsuya's internal pace had been completely disrupted. |
||
| − | Looks like challenging these two directly from the front would be an |
||
| − | exercise in futility, Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | The reason Mayumi came to visit was actually to inform them that the |
||
| − | Student Council Room was closing early. She was only supposed to check |
||
| − | on Tatsuya in passing, but that had quickly become her primary objective |
||
| − | before long. It probably wasn't a good idea to dwell too long on that |
||
| − | subject. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Since the end of the enrollment ceremony, many different action items had |
||
| − | also come to a head. "Then, I'm going ahead." Mayumi waved and walked |
||
| − | towards the Student Council Room. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tomorrow marked the first day for the competition for new club members, |
||
| − | so the activity level of the Public Moral Committee was going to increase |
||
| − | as well. Mayumi's conversation with Mari and Tatsuya ended at this point. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Current information systems, much like their predecessors, required very |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | little time to operate. |
||
| − | Several of them needed to be shut down, but even if this step was |
||
| − | overlooked, they would still automatically enter sleep mode. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The only thing that needed to be done at this point was set safety |
||
| − | protocols, but at this opportune moment — or maybe unfortunate moment |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | - two male students entered the Public Morale Committee headquarters. |
||
| − | "Hi." |
||
| − | "Good morning!" |
||
| − | A vibrant greeting spread throughout the room. |
||
| − | "Oi, Nee-san, can we come in?" |
||
| − | Where the heck is this, and what year are we in? Tatsuya thought. |
||
| − | The subject in question was not overly tall, but possessed a sturdy build, |
||
| − | with shortly cropped hair that was very suited for a headband. And to so |
||
| − | casually use "Nee-san", he had to be referring to— |
||
| − | (Must be Watanabe-senpai...) |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya glanced briefly at Mari, who was a little embarrassed. |
||
| − | The fact that she still retained (at the very least) some sense of normalcy |
||
| − | brought a ridiculous amount of relief to Tatsuya. "Chief, today's patrol is |
||
| − | done! No arrests!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | When compared to the other guy, this one had a bland appearance and his |
||
| − | speech pattern was quite normal, but filled with an imposing manner. The |
||
| − | unmoving stance he took while giving his report reminded people of a |
||
| − | soldier, or maybe a police officer, or someone part of a system that had |
||
| − | largely remained unchanged over the years. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "...You're telling me that Nee-san cleaned this room?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | At the abrupt changes in the activity room, the sturdy one could not |
||
| − | conceal his surprise as he walked towards Tatsuya. |
||
| − | There shouldn't have been a major difference in weight, but amazingly, his |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | footsteps were incredibly slow in comparison. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Just as the boy passed in front of Mari, she casually stood up, looked |
||
| − | towards him— |
||
| − | "A-ya!" |
||
| − | SPA! There was a sound that was pleasing to the ear, just as the boy |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | crouched down and covered his head. |
||
| − | Mari held a notebook rolled into a rod. |
||
| − | When did she pull that out?. |
||
| − | "Don't call me Nee-san! How many times do I have to tell you for you to |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | remember?! Koutarou, is your brain a decoration?!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Tatsuya had not yet sorted through his confusion, but Mari had already |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | roared her displeasure at the boy covering his head. |
||
| − | "Please don't hit me on the head, Nee... No, Chief. Speaking of which, |
||
| − | who's this? The rookie?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It probably didn't hurt that much, despite the yammering of the boy named |
||
| − | Koutarou. However, noticing the moving rolled-up notebook, he quickly |
||
| − | changed Nee-san to Mari's official title. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In front of Koutarou, who had gone rigid in nervousness, Mari lowered her |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | shoulders and sighed. |
||
| − | "...It's just as you said, he's the rookie. 1st Year Class E Shiba Tatsuya. |
||
| − | Recommended by the Student Council." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Eh... There's no insignia." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Koutarou was very excited as he examined Tatsuya's coat, while at the |
||
| − | same time checking out Tatsuya's build. |
||
| − | "Tatsumi-senpai, that's violating the ban on certain words! At this time, I |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | think Course 2 student would be the proper description." (!) |
||
| − | The other boy, despite saying this on the outside, could not disguise his |
||
| − | coldly analytical body language. "The two of you should be careful. That |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | kind of thinking may lead to a world of hurt in battle? (!)I'll only say it |
||
| − | once. He just thrashed Hattori." |
||
| − | However, just as Mari said this with a teasing smile on her face, the two |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | boys' expressions became grave. |
||
| − | "...This guy, took out Hattori?" |
||
| − | "Yes, in a formal duel." |
||
| − | "What! The undefeated Hattori, losing to a newcomer." |
||
| − | "No need to shout, Sawaki. Didn't I just say that?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya was not pleased at being stared at for so long, but these were not |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | just upperclassmen, but his seniors in the Public Moral Committee. He just |
||
| − | had to bear with it for a little longer. |
||
| − | "This guy is quite determined." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "He's got potential, Chief." |
||
| − | Like musicians recovering from a disrupted rhythm, their gazes changed. |
||
| − | Almost as if they could change appearances on cue. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Surprised?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Hm?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | The question was too vague, so it was hard to tell what was being asked, |
||
| − | but it didn't seem like Mari expected Tatsuya to answer anyways. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "This school is filled with people immersed in the idea that labeling |
||
| − | Blooms and Weeds determines their superiority. To be honest, I hate that. |
||
| − | So I am very pleased with the outcome of today's match. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Thankfully, Mayumi and Juumonji both understand my personality. Thus, |
||
| − | the members recommended by the Student Council and the Club |
||
| − | Management Group aren't people brainwashed into that sort of thinking. |
||
| − | While I can't say that there's no sense of superiority here, we're all people |
||
| − | that can objectively evaluate another person's skills. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Unfortunately, the three students recommended by the teachers are rather |
||
| − | from the former category, so there's nothing we can do about it, but I think |
||
| − | this place wouldn't be a bad fit for you." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "3rd Year Class C Tatsumi Koutarou. Welcome aboard Shiba. If you got |
||
| − | the skills, you're fine in my book." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "2nd Year Class D Sawaki Midori. Welcome to our group, Tatsuya-kun." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Koutarou and Sawaki both reached out a hand. Just as Mari said, there |
||
| − | wasn't a hint of insult in their expression. Their earlier evaluation was |
||
| − | simply to see if Tatsuya had any ability, and whether he was a Course 1 or |
||
| − | Course 2 student made no difference to them, Tatsuya finally understood |
||
| − | this. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He had to admit he was somewhat surprised. Indeed, this wasn't a bad |
||
| − | atmosphere. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He returned their greeting and shook Koutarou's hand. For some reason, |
||
| − | the hand wasn't released. !) |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Juumonji is from the Club Management Group. You can refer to him as |
||
| − | Group Leader Juumonji." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Was it just to tell me that? You could've told me that after you released my |
||
| − | hand. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I'm up next. Please refer to me by my family name Sawaki." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Upon feeling pressure on his hand, Tatsuya's consciousness was pulled |
||
| − | back to reality. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | His grip strength had increased to the point where you could hear the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | movement, Tatsuya was surprised to find. |
||
| − | This school had excellent students, and not just solely in the magic |
||
| − | department. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Don't call me by my name." |
||
| − | That appeared to be the warning. |
||
| − | There was no need for such a roundabout warning, as Tatsuya was not in |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the habit of referring to upperclassmen by name, but since Sawaki took |
||
| − | time to specifically mention this, he should respond as well. |
||
| − | "I'll remember that." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | At the same time these words were spoken, his right hand was released. |
||
| − | Upon seeing Tatsuya's physical skills, Koutarou's surprise surpassed |
||
| − | Sawaki's own. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Ho, that's quite impressive. Sawaki's grip strength is at least in the triple |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | digits." |
||
| − | "...I think that hardly qualifies as normal physical abilities, even for |
||
| − | Magicians." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya pretended not to know, giving only a light response. |
||
| − | He was probably going to get along quite well with these two --Tatsuya |
||
| − | thought. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Chapter 4 |
||
| − | |||
| − | When compared to traditional auxiliary equipment such as magic staves, |
||
| − | tomes, or talismans, CADs possessed superior invocation speed, |
||
| − | refinement, complexity, and were capable of executing large scale magics. |
||
| − | They were the definitive auxiliary equipment in the modern age. |
||
| − | |||
| − | That being said, they weren't universally superior in all categories when |
||
| − | compared to traditional auxiliary equipment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Due to the precise nature of CADs, when compared to traditional auxiliary |
||
| − | equipment, maintenance required additional effort. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This was especially the case when dealing with the compatibility between |
||
| − | the user's Psion wave motions and the Receive-Release System. |
||
| − | |||
| − | CAD utilized the Psions released by Magicians as raw materials (it may be |
||
| − | more appropriate to describe it as the ink for paintings), directed towards |
||
| − | the Activation Sequence in the Psion Information Aide, where Magicians |
||
| − | then use their own physical bodies as a conductor for reading the |
||
| − | Activation Sequence before plugging the result into the magic design. |
||
| − | Depending on the quality of CAD maintenance, this could influence the |
||
| − | speed of magic invocation anywhere between 50-100%. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In other words, Psions are particles of thought or consciousness made |
||
| − | concrete. Their manifestation can be extremely diverse. For every hundred |
||
| − | people there would be a hundred different types, and a thousand users |
||
| − | would create a thousand types. Every individual has a unique Psion wave |
||
| − | motion, so if the CAD wasn't finely tuned to their specific use, the user |
||
| − | would encounter difficulty managing the exchange of Psions. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Besides that, there are many essential points that lead to a custom fit CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | These would fall under the purview of the Magic Artificers charged with |
||
| − | CAD maintenance, and the reason why exceptionally skilled Magic |
||
| − | Artificers were seen as coveted treasures. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In addition, the fluctuations of Psion wave motions reflect the growth of |
||
| − | the physical body, such as changes as a result of age, and are subsequently |
||
| − | affected. In fact, these fluctuations could change daily. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Thus, the ideal situation would call for daily maintenance based on the |
||
| − | user's physical status, but CAD maintenance requires equipment that is |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | extremely expensive. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Generally, only the military, police, central government, first class research |
||
| − | institutes, famous schools, and well-financed major corporations possess |
||
| − | the power and funding for CAD maintenance equipment and related |
||
| − | trained personnel, an impossible scenario for small to mid-sized companies |
||
| − | or personal use. Magicians in the latter categories resort to using Magic |
||
| − | Machine Customization Stores once a month, or Mechanical Service |
||
| − | Stores once or twice for scheduled check-ups. |
||
| − | |||
| − | First High was also considered to be one of the country's premiere schools, |
||
| − | and thus naturally possessed special facilities for student use. It was a |
||
| − | common sight to see students or faculty undergoing CAD maintenance on |
||
| − | campus. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, due to special circumstances, Tatsuya's house also contained |
||
| − | state of the art CAD maintenance equipment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | After dinner, in the basement that had been converted into a CAD |
||
| − | maintenance room, Tatsuya turned around upon hearing the only other |
||
| − | occupant in the house speak. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's okay, go ahead and come in. It's about time I took a break." |
||
| − | |||
| − | That statement wasn't a lie, probably because Miyuki had waited for a |
||
| − | period of time to elapse before attempting to speak with him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Excuse me. Onii-sama, I was hoping you could adjust my CAD..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | She was holding a cellphone-shaped CAD. |
||
| − | |||
| − | On her approach, the soft, pleasant smell of soap buffeted the senses. |
||
| − | |||
| − | She was wearing a simple, large velvet robe, something commonly seen |
||
| − | during medical examinations. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Are the settings incompatible?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | That apparel was for someone intent on maintenance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "That's impossible! Onii-sama's adjustments are always perfect." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Because her response was always superlative accolades, there was little |
||
| − | point in telling her to change. From previous experience, Tatsuya knew |
||
| − | that trying to do so was pointless. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | However, the last time they did a full maintenance was 3 days ago. |
||
| − | Usually, they only did a full maintenance once a week unless there was an |
||
| − | urgent reason, thought Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It's just, that..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Don't worry about it. Go ahead and say it like you used to." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Sorry, I actually wanted Onii-sama to help me change a few Activation |
||
| − | Sequences..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "What, just that. It's nothing to worry about. I was getting worried for a |
||
| − | bit." |
||
| − | |||
| − | He softly brushed his sister's hair and took the CAD from her hands. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki dipped her head in embarrassment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "So, what systems do you want to add?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | General CADs were limited to 99 registered Activation Sequences. Even |
||
| − | for Miyuki's highly customized CAD, this was an insurmountable limit. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The variability of Activation Sequences were dependent on where the |
||
| − | Activation Sequence combination ended and where the individual's Magic |
||
| − | Calculation Area began in terms of execution. In reality, there were |
||
| − | unlimited combinations. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Generally speaking, targets, strength, and ending requirements were set as |
||
| − | variables to be executed by the Magic Calculation Area; all other essentials |
||
| − | would be incorporated into the Activation Sequence. However, it was not |
||
| − | rare to see strength as the Activation Sequence quantity to reduce |
||
| − | hydrochloric acid execution to increase Invocation Speed. Many |
||
| − | Defensive-Type Magics relied on using the self as a physical marker in |
||
| − | relation to the target, whereas Contact-Type Magic quantifies all the |
||
| − | numbers. All these were introduced in the practical skills class. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki belonged to the minority who registered a wide variety of low |
||
| − | fixed quantity, highly flexible Activation Sequences. |
||
| − | |||
| − | For fifteen year old Miyuki, who could grasp magical skills far beyond |
||
| − | what her age could suggest and had an incredibly varied repertoire of |
||
| − | magic, 99 types was far below her actual ability. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Binding-Type Activation Sequence... I want to increase the types of Anti- |
||
| − | Personnel Combat Magics." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Hm? You already have Speed Magics, so do you need to add Binding- |
||
| − | Types?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Of all the different types of magic, Miyuki specialized in Speed-Type |
||
| − | Magics. One division of Speed-Type Magic was Freezing Magic, capable |
||
| − | of reducing a target's temperature to near absolute zero. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Onii-sama should know that Speed Magic is rarely directed towards |
||
| − | individual use and very difficult to work with. Partial speed reduction or |
||
| − | partial freezing are practically impossible, and the Invocation time is very |
||
| − | long. I thought of this after watching today's match. I'm lacking in magics |
||
| − | that use speed as the primary focus, with the intent on using the minimal |
||
| − | force to subdue the opponent." (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Hm... But I don't think Miyuki fits that type. Attacking before the |
||
| − | opponent is ready and using speed to disrupt the opponent is a legitimate |
||
| − | strategy. However, striking with force born of absolute superiority, using |
||
| − | Zone Interference to nullify the incoming magic, then using magic that is |
||
| − | both stronger and greater in scale than the opponent's defensive capability, |
||
| − | don't you think that orthodox style fits you better?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Zone Interference involved using the user's own Magic Power to nullify |
||
| − | opposing magics within the user's immediate surroundings. This occurs |
||
| − | when a zone has been saturated with a user's magic, rendering the zone |
||
| − | "Unable to be Changed", thus overriding the opponent's magic attempt to |
||
| − | rewrite the surroundings. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Just as Tatsuya said, Miyuki's Zone Interference was incredibly powerful. |
||
| − | Even in magical combat, it was unlikely she would be harmed in any way. |
||
| − | Usually, whoever seizes the initiative has the advantage. This is a |
||
| − | fundamental strategy in magical combat, but when up against an opponent |
||
| − | like Miyuki, the advantage of seizing the initiative would be greatly |
||
| − | decreased. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "...I can't do it?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Then again, in the face of his sister's submissive question, Tatsuya didn't |
||
| − | say "no". |
||
| − | |||
| − | "No, that's not the case. That's true... In the Student Council, if it's up |
||
| − | against a fellow student, then this strategy would be necessary. I |
||
| − | understand. Under the premise of not reducing the current magic, I'll |
||
| − | readjust the systems of the Activation Sequence." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Now that his sister expressed her request, Tatsuya did not refuse. However, |
||
| − | he did not forget his earlier suggestion. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "You're not going to consider getting another CAD?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Only Onii-sama can dual wield two CADs." |
||
| − | "If you put your mind to it, you can do it too." |
||
| − | Tatsuya forced a smile as he ran his hand over Miyuki's head as she stared |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | at him. Gently rubbing her hair or head was one of Tatsuya's basic methods |
||
| − | for improving his sister's mood. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The effect was immediate. |
||
| − | Miyuki closed her eyes in pleasure as her small head was completely |
||
| − | immersed in her brother's tender care. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Let's start with a quick examination." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Seeing that Miyuki's pleasant mood had returned, Tatsuya adopted a |
||
| − | specialist's expression. |
||
| − | Reluctantly leaving her brother's touch, Miyuki stepped back and removed |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | her robe. |
||
| − | What was revealed before Tatsuya's eyes was an indecently dressed body. |
||
| − | As she lay on the examination bed, Miyuki was only covered by her white |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | underclothes. |
||
| − | Tidy and pure white, it seemed to turn the situation even more sensual. |
||
| − | Even though they are kin — no, against Miyuki's breathtaking beauty, no |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | one should've been able to keep their composure. Miyuki's stance exuded |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | enough charm to drive men mad. |
||
| − | His sister's eyes could not hide her sense of shame, but even under such a |
||
| − | gaze Tatsuya remained stolid, not revealing a single emotional expression. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Right now, he was a machine. An observing, analyzing, recording machine |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | wrapped in flesh. |
||
| − | Completely unaffected by emotion, objectively analyzing the situation; an |
||
| − | ideal state Magicians strove to reach thus manifested upon Tatsuya's body. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Good work, it's done." |
||
| − | Hearing Tatsuya's words, Miyuki left the bed and stood up. |
||
| − | This type of examination could not be obtained anywhere. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | In fact, it is extremely rare to see this sort of intensely detailed |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | maintenance. |
||
| − | The maintenance facilities on campus simply involved putting on a pair of |
||
| − | headphones and placing your hands on the touch pad for examination. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya kept his eyes averted to the side while handing the velvet robe |
||
| − | back to Miyuki, who wore a glum expression while gazing at Tatsuya's |
||
| − | back. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Her elder brother sat in a chair with a backrest that only reached the upper |
||
| − | waist and, as if nothing had happened, gazed at the terminal. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | No, it was not "as if". |
||
| − | Actually, it was expected that nothing would happen, since this was a |
||
| − | weekly occurring process. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | This would go on without end if they were consciously aware of each |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | individual occurrence. |
||
| − | Even though her embarrassment had not disappeared, and she was acutely |
||
| − | aware that this sense of shame was something that shouldn't be lost, she |
||
| − | didn't have any thoughts towards taking the next step. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | She forced herself not to think of the next step. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | If her elder brother could keep his composure, this was also something that |
||
| − | Miyuki could be happy about. |
||
| − | —If only it was as usual. |
||
| − | "Onii-sama is quite crafty..." |
||
| − | "Miyuki?" |
||
| − | Hearing Miyuki's tender and beautiful voice, Tatsuya quickly responded. |
||
| − | —It was very rare to hear Onii-sama use that kind of wavering, harried |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | voice. |
||
| − | —Upon hearing that, the one whose heartbeat became erratic, whose |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | temperature rose, and whose heart fairly sang in pleasure was none other |
||
| − | than herself. |
||
| − | With the velvet robe draped over her shoulders and not closed in the front, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki pressed her soft chest onto Tatsuya's back, gently rubbing her face |
||
| − | against Tatsuya's cheek, and continued to whisper softly into her elder |
||
| − | brother's ear. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Miyuki was so embarrassed, but Onii-sama was just like always, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | completely expressionless..." |
||
| − | "Uh, Miyuki, I say?" |
||
| − | "Or, do you not see me as someone of the opposite sex?" |
||
| − | "If I did see you that way, then we'd be in serious trouble!" |
||
| − | That was true. At that moment, just as these words were about to become |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the topic of conversation, her subconscious formed a chain that forcibly |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | dragged back this line of thought. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Is Onii-sama not interested in Miyuki? Is Onii-sama more interested in |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Saegusa-senpai's type? Or, maybe someone like Watanabe-senpai? Earlier |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | today, your conversation seemed very affectionate..." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "You heard that?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Seemed extremely unlikely. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki should've been in the Student Council Room being tutored by |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Azusa in regards to using the computer system. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | On top of that, even if someone was eavesdropping, there was no way |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya could not have detected them. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | However, Tatsuya did not have the time right now to marshal these |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | thoughts into arguments. |
||
| − | "Aha, just as expected! Both of them are beauties!" |
||
| − | "I say, Miyuki? Aren't you misunderstanding something?" |
||
| − | "Onii-sama is being pulled between two beautiful senpais on either side." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | All of a sudden, Miyuki's CAD was held in her left hand. |
||
| − | "This is your punishment!" |
||
| − | "Ah!" |
||
| − | Unexpectedly, it was not magic, but a Psion Surge released by Miyuki that |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | caused Tatsuya's body to spasm and fall out of the chair. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | [Self Restoration, Auto Start.] |
||
| − | [Core Eidos Data, Read from Backup.] |
||
| − | [Load Magic Sequence — Complete. Self Restoration — Complete.] |
||
| − | The instance of losing consciousness did not last a single second. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | He had never lost consciousness longer than that instance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | His physical body did not allow him to collapse for any duration longer |
||
| − | than that time. |
||
| − | This was his personal magic, his curse. |
||
| − | As he opened his eyes naturally, what he saw was a beautiful visage |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | staring down at him. |
||
| − | "Onii-sama, good morning." |
||
| − | "...Did I, do something to incur your displeasure?" |
||
| − | "My apologies, I went overboard with my joke." |
||
| − | Though her voice was apologetic, Miyuki's face was smiling once more. |
||
| − | That smile was capable of disarming even the sternest adult's attitude, a |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | cute smile matching her age that Miyuki rarely wore. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Watching that smiling face, not even he could do anything, Tatsuya |
||
| − | thought. |
||
| − | In reality, wasn't this exactly like a pair of innocent siblings playing |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | around? |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | At the end of the day, his sister was incapable of actually doing something |
||
| − | that could cause him harm. |
||
| − | "Please, take it easy on me..." |
||
| − | Grasping his sister's hand, Tatsuya mumbled this as he too smiled. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | She awoke at the normal time. |
||
| − | But in comparison to usually getting out of bed, her mood was worse. |
||
| − | Maybe her brain was still muddled by sleep. |
||
| − | The house didn't have her elder brother's presence. |
||
| − | He had probably left for morning training. |
||
| − | This happened every day. |
||
| − | Her elder brother, who always went to sleep later than she did, but always |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | woke before she did. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Like yesterday, it was very rare for her to get up first. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In the past, she had been worried that her elder brother was going to ruin |
||
| − | his body. |
||
| − | Now she understood that such worries were meaningless. |
||
| − | Her elder brother...that person was special. |
||
| − | The people of the world call her a genius. |
||
| − | That was the praise that they gave to special individuals, people that were |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | different from themselves. |
||
| − | —In fact, they understood nothing at all. |
||
| − | The truly impressive, special, bona fide genius, should be her elder |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | brother. |
||
| − | That person existed in a different dimension. |
||
| − | They could not even comprehend that. |
||
| − | Those that hide their personal jealousy to flatter others...they probably |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | couldn't understand. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | True talent that towers over lesser mortals, that draws a terror that |
||
| − | transcends jealousy. |
||
| − | Not awe, but terror. |
||
| − | The man who by all rights would be the father of these two siblings |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | crumpled before that terror. And in the face of that terror, he belittled and |
||
| − | abused his own son. All this she was aware of. |
||
| − | Her elder brother believed that she remained ignorant. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Thus, she pretended not to know. |
||
| − | Father — that man to this day still sought to belittle her elder brother's |
||
| − | talent, to give him a false sense of defeatism, seeking to pinion the wings |
||
| − | of his spirit and ambition. All this she knew. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | How comical. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | He originally sought to imprison her elder brother, only to find himself |
||
| − | crushed by the fact that his son's talent far exceeded his own. |
||
| − | That son obtained the "resources" he needed to barter for his freedom. |
||
| − | Their father could only watch that one last binding, and was forced to let |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | go. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | The only thing that man could do was adopt that phony title, and collect |
||
| − | the hollow praises of the masses. |
||
| − | That person was not interested in this, she probably knew this as well. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ...She was unable to control her own thoughts. |
||
| − | It was as if she wasn't herself and were someone else instead while |
||
| − | thinking this. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Probably not fully conscious, Miyuki thought. |
||
| − | Must be a lack of sleep. |
||
| − | The cause was extremely obvious. |
||
| − | It was the reason behind why she had acted the way she had yesterday. |
||
| − | That moment had been perfectly peaceful. |
||
| − | It was rare to see her elder brother so harried; the sight was both comical |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | and cute. |
||
| − | Her mood had been very pleasant. |
||
| − | However, once separated from her elder brother and lying alone in bed, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | that sense of peace had disappeared. |
||
| − | Her chest throbbed and she couldn't sleep. |
||
| − | Uneasiness pervaded; sleep remained elusive. |
||
| − | This must be love. |
||
| − | But, |
||
| − | That can't be the passion of romantic love. |
||
| − | And it couldn't be the affection of romantic love. |
||
| − | Because that person was her elder brother. Her elder brother by blood. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | From that moment 3 years ago, when she first heard of their relation. (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Since being saved by that person and knowing the truth that day 3 years |
||
| − | ago, I have worked hard towards being a worthy little sister to that person. |
||
| − | |||
| − | (!) |
||
| − | |||
| − | I've always had this dream, that one day I would be able to help that |
||
| − | person, just as he helped me. I want to become the one that that person |
||
| − | can depend upon. This was how I rationalized it. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | From that person, I demand nothing. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Because this life that should have faded away into oblivion, was saved by |
||
| − | |||
| − | that person. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though right now I am only the shackles that bind that person in |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | place. |
||
| − | But one day, I want to be the key that liberates him. |
||
| − | I want to be the person who can be of help to him. |
||
| − | —The first thing is to prepare breakfast. |
||
| − | While he could probably eat over there, |
||
| − | Onii-sama would probably obediently return home on an empty stomach. |
||
| − | To let Onii-sama eat a delicious breakfast: that is what I can do right now. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Miyuki smoothly rose, and stretched herself out. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Chapter 5 |
||
| − | |||
| − | There are many special things in the High School Magic Division, but the |
||
| − | basic system is no different from normal schools. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Here in the First High School, there are club activities. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Like normal schools, to become an official club, you need to have a |
||
| − | minimum amount of people and have some kind of track record. |
||
| − | |||
| − | But, since this school has a close relationship with magic, there are some |
||
| − | clubs that can only exist in a Magic High School. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Within major magical games, schools One through Nine within the |
||
| − | Magical Academy often get together and have competitions. The outcomes |
||
| − | of these competitions often rank these various schools. Depending on the |
||
| − | schools, they may put more emphasis towards these games than most |
||
| − | prestigious sports schools. If a club were able to perform highly within the |
||
| − | "Nine Schools Competition", then the club’s budget and its members |
||
| − | receive special treatment. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Finding and getting talented new students has become the most important |
||
| − | task every year since it affects the influence the clubs have on campus, and |
||
| − | this task has full support from the school. That’s why during this season, |
||
| − | the clubs battle ferociously in order to gain as many new students as |
||
| − | possible. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "…And this is why all kinds of trouble appears every year." |
||
| − | |||
| − | In the Student Council Room. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Thoroughly tasting Miyuki’s hand-made bento, Tatsuya listened to Mari’s |
||
| − | explanation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The solicitations from the clubs are so fierce, it often affects the classes. |
||
| − | And it doesn’t help that there’s only a 1 week time limit for them to get as |
||
| − | many new students as they can," |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi, who was sitting next to Mari, explained. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Nestled close to Tatsuya was Miyuki herself, as if she belonged there. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Suzune and Azusa were not there. They only came to the room yesterday |
||
| − | because Mayumi invited them; usually they had lunch with their |
||
| − | classmates. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Mari, like yesterday, had her own home-made lunch. Mayumi was slightly |
||
| − | angry because she was the only one eating the dining server’s machinemade |
||
| − | lunch, but her mood seemed to finally recover. She even exclaimed |
||
| − | that she would start making her lunch tomorrow. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "During this time, various clubs are bringing out the tents all at once. It’s |
||
| − | like a small festival going on here. There are even secret lists that name all |
||
| − | the students who scored high grades on the entrance exams, and I’m sure |
||
| − | those people will be heavily targeted. Obviously, there are rules in place |
||
| − | that penalize the clubs and its members if they break them, but it’s not |
||
| − | uncommon to see fist fights or even magic shooting about." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya put on a surprised face after listening to Mari’s explanation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I thought carrying around CADs is prohibited?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | It is possible to still use magic without a CAD, but something like |
||
| − | "shooting about" magic definitely requires a CAD for most people. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mari’s answer amazed Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The school gives them permission so that they can have ‘demonstrations’. |
||
| − | There is a simple screening in place, but it’s more or less a free pass. |
||
| − | Because of that, during this time, this place becomes a giant lawless zone |
||
| − | full of chaos." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Well obviously, thought Tatsuya. Why would the school allow such a |
||
| − | thing…? Usually they would make a screening like this more strict. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Before Tatsuya could formulate the question, Mayumi gave the answer. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I believe it’s mainly because the school wants the clubs to score highly in |
||
| − | the Nine Schools Competition. I’m sure the school wouldn’t mind a few |
||
| − | rules being broken as long as they raise the chances of recruiting more |
||
| − | students." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The government outlawed mandatory participation in extra-curricular |
||
| − | activities over 10 years ago because it neglected students’ rights. Because |
||
| − | of that, the school cannot do anything openly besides letting the various |
||
| − | clubs recruit as they want. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well, that’s the situation we’re in. Starting today, the Disciplinary |
||
| − | Committee is going all out. Whew, I’m glad we were able to cover all of |
||
| − | our empty seats." |
||
| − | |||
| − | As she said that, she sent a sarcastic look to her side. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I’m glad you were able to find someone so talented, Mari." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Seeing how she ignored the look with a smile, it looked like they do this |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | sort of thing often. |
||
| − | After eating the last bite and putting the chopsticks down, his cup was |
||
| − | being filled with hot tea from beside him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | After taking a few sips, Tatsuya attempted to put up a small resistance. |
||
| − | "Well, the clubs are targeting the students with the highest grades, meaning |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the First Course students correct? I don’t think I would be of any use in |
||
| − | that case." |
||
| − | Only Course 2 students should police Course 2 students. He was using |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Mari’s argument from yesterday against her. |
||
| − | "Who cares about that. I’m counting on you." |
||
| − | She completely blew it off. |
||
| − | There was no way Tatsuya was able to respond to this. |
||
| − | "…*Sigh*, understood. I assume we are starting after school?" |
||
| − | "Right after you’re done with class, just come to HQ." |
||
| − | "Understood." |
||
| − | Tatsuya quietly accepted Mari’s words. It was hard to tell if his actions |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | were manly or he just plainly gave up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Sitting beside him, Miyuki asked, "President, are we going to join in the |
||
| − | patrol as well?" |
||
| − | Miyuki referred to "we" as in the Student Council members. Tatsuya |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | smiled, seeing how his beloved sister was able to fit in so quickly even |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | though she could be difficult around people. |
||
| − | "I will be assigning A-chan as support. Hanzo-kun and I have to standby in |
||
| − | HQ, so you and Rin-chan will have to stay here." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Understood." |
||
| − | Miyuki nodded her head meekly, but Tatsuya could see that she was |
||
| − | slightly upset. She may not have been combative but her skills were high. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | She probably just wanted to test out the new restraint-type magics that |
||
| − | were added in her activation sequence. |
||
| − | But, when he told her that she yelled "No, that’s not it!" and quietly added |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Stupid Onii-sama", which may sound like a curse depending on how you |
||
| − | listen to it. Then Tatsuya wondered, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Nakajou-senpai is on support?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It was a subtle claim that suggested that Azusa may be unreliable for the |
||
| − | job. |
||
| − | Only a "subtle" one though. |
||
| − | "I know you’re uneasy about her based on her appearance, but you should |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | know Tatsuya, appearances can be deceiving." |
||
| − | "I understand that, but…" |
||
| − | Tatsuya was mainly pointing out to her timid attitude. |
||
| − | Mayumi understood what Tatsuya was trying to say and laughed. |
||
| − | "Well, the timidity CAN be a little bad at times, but don’t worry. A-chan’s |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | magic will come in handy in these situations." |
||
| − | She let out a smirk similar to Mari’s. |
||
| − | "You see. At times like these when you may have large crowds going wild, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | her magic — Azusayumi[5] — can really be effective." |
||
| − | Modern magic is a technology where most of the magic is formulated and |
||
| − | shared. Of course, there are some private magics that are not known to the |
||
| − | public, but most are registered in a database. Most of the magics are only |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | categorized by "type" and "effect", but some magics that have high |
||
| − | originality are often given inherent names. |
||
| − | "Azusayumi? I don’t believe there is an official inherent name such as that. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Is it an External Systematic Magic? |
||
| − | Tatsuya thought about it, but then concluded that there is no registered |
||
| − | magic that goes by the name of "Azusayumi". He only asked about |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | External Systematic Magic because most unregistered magic was usually |
||
| − | External Systematic Magic. |
||
| − | "…Don’t tell me you memorized every single inherent name." |
||
| − | Rather than answering his question, Mari let out an amazed voice. |
||
| − | "…Tatsuya-kun, you must have like a satellite connection that constantly |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | links you to a massive database or something," |
||
| − | Mayumi answered while widening her eyes. |
||
| − | Miyuki was about to burst out with laughter, but this wasn’t the first time |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | that people asked this kind of question, so she was able to maintain her |
||
| − | humble composure. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Modern Magic was based on studies on super natural powers. Rather than |
||
| − | categorizing magic by its visual aspects, like "the flame is burning" or "the |
||
| − | wind is blowing", they categorize them by its effects. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Speed, Weight", "Movement, Vibration", "Converge, Dissipate", and |
||
| − | "Absorb, Disperse" are known as the 4 System/8 Type magic. Granted, |
||
| − | there are some exemptions to this category. Magic that is not a part of the 4 |
||
| − | System/8 Type magic is broken down into 3 categories. One is perceptiontype |
||
| − | magic known as "ESP" (Extra Sensory Perception, not Extra Special |
||
| − | Power). Another is a magic that does not aim to alter phenomena by |
||
| − | temporarily rewriting the body of information associated with phenomena, |
||
| − | "Eidos", but aims to control the Psion itself. This is known as Non- |
||
| − | Systematic Magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mayumi’s specialized Particle Release Magic is a typical Non-Systematic |
||
| − | Magic. The magic Tatsuya used to KO Hattori is also more along the lines |
||
| − | of Non-Systematic Magic (rather than Vibration Magic), but since Psion |
||
| − | manipulation is technically a part of the 4 System/8 Type, the difference |
||
| − | between the two is trivial. |
||
| − | |||
| − | And the third type isn’t something that manipulates physical objects, but |
||
| − | the spirits themselves. These types of magic are just referred to as the |
||
| − | External Systematic Magic since they don’t belong to any type of system. |
||
| − | Some examples of magic in these characters include magic that manipulate |
||
| − | spiritual beings, mind reading, spirit separations, and even mind control. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "As Tatsuya may have figured out, A-chan’s 'Azusayumi' is an |
||
| − | Informational Manipulative External Systematic Magic. In any given area, |
||
| − | she can put multiple people under a trance-like state and guide them |
||
| − | however she wants." |
||
| − | |||
| − | After being surprised multiple times, Mayumi finally gave the answer to |
||
| − | what "Azusayumi" is. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The "Informational Manipulative External Systematic Magic" is a type of |
||
| − | mental interference magic that controls not only your thoughts, but your |
||
| − | feelings as well. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Azusayumi isn’t something that robs or overtakes your consciousness, so |
||
| − | it doesn’t make the opponent completely helpless. Instead, rather than only |
||
| − | affecting an individual, it affects a group of people. So it’s the perfect type |
||
| − | of magic to calm down a wild crowd should they go out of hand." |
||
| − | |||
| − | After hearing Mari’s additional explanation, Tatsuya put on a serious |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | expression. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "…Aren’t there first-class restrictions tied to that kind of magic though?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | The External Systematic Magics have many specialized effects, so there |
||
| − | are strict limits imposed on them, more so than the typical 4 System/8 |
||
| − | Type magic. Out of them, the restrictions are harshest on the Mental |
||
| − | Interference Magics. As explained, this type of magic can become a |
||
| − | fearsome brain-washing tool. People in a hypnotic state are extremely |
||
| − | vulnerable to commands. If this type of magic’s existence were known, |
||
| − | tyrannical governments, terrorists, cults, and the like would surely do |
||
| − | anything to get their hands on it. But when Tatsuya pointed that out, |
||
| − | Mayumi answered "There’s nothing to worry about" as she chuckled. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Do you think A-chan is the type to cooperate with some dictator?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well, there are cases where she could be forced to cooperate." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "No way. She gets teary-eyed just by finding a small amount of money on |
||
| − | the ground. I don’t think she’ll be able to concentrate on the magic with all |
||
| − | that sense of guilt crushing her." |
||
| − | |||
| − | It’s common knowledge that your mental state affects your magic. If she |
||
| − | was that kind-hearted, then the mere thought of an awful crime like mass |
||
| − | brain-washing could make her unable to use any magic. Well, another way |
||
| − | to look at it is, if she was that weak-hearted, then someone could just make |
||
| − | her dependent on them and manipulate her that way, but there was no |
||
| − | reason to go down that route at the moment. Right now, there was an even |
||
| − | more basic problem. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I’m sure that the laws concerning the restriction of Mental Interference |
||
| − | Magic are valid no matter what kind of person Nakajou-senpai is…" |
||
| − | |||
| − | After Miyuki pointed that out, Mayumi seemed to be at a loss of words. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "…Um, don’t worry Miyuki-san. It’s not like she uses it outside of |
||
| − | school." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The uneasy answer that she gave out was absurd. She didn't seem like the |
||
| − | type who showed their weakness when they were cornered, but if it weren't |
||
| − | for Mari’s help she would’ve just dug herself into a deeper hole. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Mayumi… saying it like that would make people misunderstand. Nakajou |
||
| − | was granted permission to use her External Systematic Magic only within |
||
| − | the school grounds. Well, we did use a backdoor method that’s often used |
||
| − | by the Research Institutions by giving the reason for the exception as, |
||
| − | ‘scientifically researching the easement of usage restrictions’." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "I see." |
||
| − | "I didn’t know you could do it like that." |
||
| − | "Yes, you can…" |
||
| − | The Shiba siblings nodded with understanding at Mari’s explanations |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | while Mayumi let out a nervous laugh. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | As Tatsuya was heading towards the Disciplinary Committee HQ after |
||
| − | class, a high pitched voice called to him. |
||
| − | When he turned around, a skinny girl with short cut hair greeted him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I’m surprised Erika… are you by yourself?" |
||
| − | "Is that something to be surprised about? I don’t see myself keeping |
||
| − | appointments with other people and going around with them." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Now that she mentioned it, there were several instances Tatsuya could |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | think of. |
||
| − | "Anyways Tatsuya-kun, what are you gonna do about clubs? Mizuki said |
||
| − | she was going to join the Art Club. She invited me to join with her, but I’m |
||
| − | not exactly the artistic type, so I am just walking around to see if there’s |
||
| − | anything more fun to do." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Didn’t Leo also say that he chose something?" |
||
| − | "The Mountain Club right? That really suits him." |
||
| − | "Well… it does seem to suit him." |
||
| − | "The Mountain club at our school focuses more on survival than just |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | climbing. Seriously, it’s almost like the club’s just made for him." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The way she was subtly cursing about almost made her seem like she was |
||
| − | bored. |
||
| − | "Hey Tatsuya, if you haven’t joined a club yet, do you wanna look around |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | with me?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya wasn’t able to blatantly reject her because she seemed to have a |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | lonely face, but if he pointed that out to her then she was sure to get angry |
||
| − | at him. |
||
| − | "To tell you the truth, it seems like the Disciplinary Committee’s already |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | using me as they please. It’s possible for me to walk around with you, but I |
||
| − | have to do it as a patrol. If that’s okay with you then I can do it." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Hmmmmm… ah, well. Let’s just meet up in front of the classroom then." |
||
| − | Erika seemed to think hard before letting out a shrug like she was reluctant |
||
| − | to go along with it, but the smile on her face gave away her fake gestures. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Why are you here?!" |
||
| − | That was how the reunion started. |
||
| − | "Aren’t you acting a bit rude?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya sighed and said that with a tired voice, but this caused only more |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | agitation. |
||
| − | "What!!" |
||
| − | He seemed like he was about to lunge forward, but, |
||
| − | "Shut up you newcomer." |
||
| − | A quick roar from Mari made Morisaki Shun stand upright and close his |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | mouth. |
||
| − | "This is an official meeting for the Disciplinary Members, so every person |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | here is a member of the Disciplinary Committee. At least get that through |
||
| − | your head before you shout out like that." |
||
| − | "I apologize!" |
||
| − | How pitiful; Morisaki’s face showed tension and fear. He was brought in |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | only two days ago by Mari. Not only that, he was still feeling heat from |
||
| − | being reprimanded from the Student President, a heavy burden for a |
||
| − | serious new student such as him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Oh well, take a seat." |
||
| − | Mari let out a nervous expression as she ordered the blood-drained faced |
||
| − | first year to sit down. Judging from her demeanor, she did not seem like |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the type of person who would feel pleasure from oppressing those that |
||
| − | were weaker than her. |
||
| − | Morisaki sat in the chair facing Tatsuya. It was an unwanted seating |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | arrangement for the two, but they couldn't help it because they were the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | newest members. Being an underling meant they had to sit at the edge of |
||
| − | the table, glaring at each other. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Everyone here?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | After 9 people entered the room, Mari stood up. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Okay, listen up. The beginning of that crazy week is here again. For the |
||
| − | Disciplinary Committee, this will be the first big hurdle we have to |
||
| − | overcome in the beginning of the year. Last year, there were certain people |
||
| − | in here who had joined and caused an uproar during this period, and there |
||
| − | were others who tried to stop it but ended up making it worse. Please be |
||
| − | sure to brace yourselves this year. I don’t want to give any reprimands to |
||
| − | anyone. I repeat, Disciplinary members will not be the ones causing |
||
| − | trouble this year." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Multiple members just sat there and shrugged. Tatsuya, on the other hand, |
||
| − | seemed to always get into some kind of trouble, so he swore to himself to |
||
| − | be extra careful during this time. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Thankfully, we were able to find replacements in time to cover the ones |
||
| − | who graduated. I’ll introduce you. Stand up." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though there weren’t any rehearsals or anything, the two were able to |
||
| − | stand up quickly without being muddled. But, the two had completely |
||
| − | opposite facial expressions. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Morisaki was unable to or didn’t even bother to hide his nervous facial |
||
| − | expression, but the way he stood upright showed his enthusiasm. On the |
||
| − | contrast, Tatsuya just stood up acting calm and composed. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Morisaki Shun from 1A and Shiba Tatsuya from 1E. These two will be |
||
| − | incorporated in the patrols from now on." |
||
| − | |||
| − | There were murmurs in the room after hearing Tatsuya’s class number. But |
||
| − | since it was the headquarters where they reprimanded any student using |
||
| − | the offensive word, he didn’t hear anybody using the word "Weed". |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Who is he being paired up with?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Instead, there were some people who asked questions about him. One of |
||
| − | the people who raised his hand was a 2nd Year named Okada. He was one |
||
| − | of the people elected by the teachers. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "As I explained previously, during the club recruitment week, everybody |
||
| − | will patrol the grounds on their own accord. The newcomers are not an |
||
| − | exception to this." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Are they even useful?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Formally, that question was pointed to both Tatsuya and Morisaki, but by |
||
| − | the way his eyes looked at Tatsuya’s left chest showed that it was directed |
||
| − | only towards him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Something like this was expected to Tatsuya, so he just let Mari handle |
||
| − | everything. But Mari, on the other hand, already had a fed up look on her |
||
| − | face when she was looking at Okada. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Don’t worry, they’re useful. I’ve seen Shiba’s skills with my own eyes |
||
| − | and Morisaki is also pretty competent with his device manipulation. He |
||
| − | just had bad luck with his opponent. If you’re still anxious, then why don’t |
||
| − | you pair up with Morisaki?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mari let out a negligent answer like she had enough of it, but Okada hid |
||
| − | his smirk and, while holding his composure, let out a sarcastic "It’s fine". |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Anybody else want to say anything?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya was surprised at Mari’s belligerent composure because it made her |
||
| − | seem like she was picking a fight with everyone. But besides Tatsuya and |
||
| − | Morisaki, no one paid much attention to it. The other members treated this |
||
| − | like it was a daily routine. There seemed to be some deep-rooted conflicts |
||
| − | within the committee, but the leader here seemed to be the one stirring up |
||
| − | these conflicts. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "We will be concluding this meeting. The patrols will be done according to |
||
| − | plan. Does anyone have any objection with this?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | There were some who seemed like they wanted to say something, but they |
||
| − | weren’t people who were actively opposed to the notion. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Okay, very well then, carry on. Don’t forget your recorders. I will explain |
||
| − | things to Shiba and Morisaki. Everyone else, mobilize!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Everyone stood upright, put their heels together, and used their right fist to |
||
| − | hit their left chest. Tatsuya wondered what was going on, but he learned |
||
| − | later that this was the traditional salute that the Disciplinary Committee |
||
| − | used. There were other rules like saying "Good morning", no matter what |
||
| − | the time was, and such. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The other six members started leaving the room one by one. Koutarou and |
||
| − | Sawaki, the last ones to leave, said "Don’t try too hard" and "If you have |
||
| − | any questions don’t hesitate to ask me" as they left (it was obvious which |
||
| − | one said what). As Tatsuya was being courteous (at least formally) to the |
||
| − | two, Morisaki glared at him with annoyance. Mari saw this and held in a |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | sigh while feeling a headache coming around. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "First, I’ll give you guys these." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mari gave the two an armband and a small video recorder. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Put the recorder in your chest pocket. It’s customized where the lens |
||
| − | would pop right out of the pocket. All you have to do is push the recording |
||
| − | button on the right." |
||
| − | |||
| − | When they put the recorders in their pockets as told, the lens stuck out, |
||
| − | ready to record. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Be sure to keep that recorder on you at all times. When you see someone |
||
| − | committing a violation, be sure to press the switch. You don’t really have |
||
| − | to worry about getting a good picture because testimony from a |
||
| − | Disciplinary Member is considered as adequate evidence. Just think of it as |
||
| − | a precautionary measure." |
||
| − | |||
| − | As she waited for the two to reply, Mari ordered them to bring out their |
||
| − | mobile terminals. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I’m going to send you the communication frequencies now… confirm |
||
| − | that you received it." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The two confirmed the receipt of the communication frequency. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Always report your findings using this frequency. We will also be giving |
||
| − | out instructions through this frequency as well. Lastly, CADs. Disciplinary |
||
| − | Members are permitted to carry their CADs and you don’t have to wait for |
||
| − | permission from someone to use them. But, if we find any unauthorized |
||
| − | usage, you will be kicked out of the committee and receive a penalty more |
||
| − | severe than the normal students. Last year, we had a student expelled |
||
| − | because of that, so be careful." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Question." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Go ahead." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "May I use the CADs that I found in the Committee room?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya’s question caught her off-guard so it took a moment for an answer |
||
| − | to come. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "…I don’t mind, but why? Those are pretty old models." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Mari figured, by watching Tatsuya during his match yesterday and such, |
||
| − | that he was skilled with handling and maintaining CADs. Not to mention |
||
| − | that Azusa was enthusiastically talking about the high spec CAD that he |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | used. |
||
| − | |||
| − | And here he was asking to use an older model. Mari couldn’t hide her |
||
| − | curiosity. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "They may be older models, but those CADs are high-class items mainly |
||
| − | used by professionals." |
||
| − | |||
| − | He gave an unexpected answer with a bitter smile. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "…Is that right?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Yes, that series has a low popularity because it’s such a hassle to |
||
| − | maintain, but despite that, you are able to customize it however you want, |
||
| − | and the switch while using the NCT is very sensitive. Thanks to that, |
||
| − | although limited, it has passionate support from enthusiasts. The person |
||
| − | who bought these was probably a fan of the series. The battery life is a |
||
| − | little limited, but it’s been overclocked to boost processing power. If you |
||
| − | sell these, you can probably get a hefty sum of money from those |
||
| − | enthusiasts." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "…And we’ve been treating those things as trash all this time. I see, now I |
||
| − | know why you were so particular about cleaning up the place." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I’m sure if you brought Nakajou-senpai over she would have explained |
||
| − | about the series…" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Nakajou is too afraid to even step foot in this room." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Oh… I see." |
||
| − | |||
| − | The two let out nervous laughs. But Mari soon noticed Morisaki was |
||
| − | thrown out of the loop. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "*Cough* Well, in that case use it however you want. It’s just collecting |
||
| − | dust in the room anyway." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Understood. In that case, I’ll borrow two of them." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Two? You really are an interesting person." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya took the two that he had secretly customized for himself and |
||
| − | attached them to both of his arms. Seeing that, Mari let out a smile, and |
||
| − | Morisaki twisted his lips sarcastically. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Hey." |
||
| − | While leaving the HQ, Tatsuya was called out by Morisaki. |
||
| − | He could tell by his voice that it wasn't something friendly. |
||
| − | Tatsuya thought about ignoring him, but that would just make things more |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | complicated, so he unwillingly turned around. |
||
| − | "What?" |
||
| − | A resenting voice and an arrogant answer. There was no way a friendly |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | atmosphere would come out of this. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "You seem to be good at bluffing. Is that how you got to the president and |
||
| − | the other members’ good side?" |
||
| − | "Are you jealous?" |
||
| − | "Wha…" |
||
| − | If you’re going to get angry over a small counter like this then stop making |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | sarcastic remarks, thought Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | But at the same time, he felt a little jealous of Morisaki’s straightforward |
||
| − | attitude. |
||
| − | "…Either way, you really crossed the line this time. There’s no way you |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Course 2 guys can use multiple CADs at once." |
||
| − | By not saying "Weeds", he’s probably putting his awareness in the |
||
| − | Disciplinary Member’s role, thought Tatsuya cynically. But Morisaki |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | didn’t notice Tatsuya’s bored stares and continued with his lecturing like |
||
| − | he was drunk with his own words. |
||
| − | "If you attach CADs on both your arms, then the Psion interference would |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | make both of them unusable. You didn’t even know that did you? All you |
||
| − | were thinking about was looking cool. Since you can’t use any decent |
||
| − | spells, I guess you have to do these sneaky little things to get by just so |
||
| − | you don’t look stupid." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Is that supposed to be advice? You seem pretty confident, Morisaki." |
||
| − | "Ha! I’m different from you people. I was caught off guard the other day, |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | but that won’t happen next time. I’ll show you the difference in our |
||
| − | levels." |
||
| − | How naive of him to assume that there will always be a "next time"… |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Even though he had a meeting with Erika, she wasn’t in front of the |
||
| − | classroom when Tatsuya came. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Oh well… |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya let out a sigh, a habit he acquired since the beginning of school, |
||
| − | and brought up the LPS in his mobile terminal. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There was a red dot slowly moving on the school map. At least she was |
||
| − | kind enough to not turn off her mobile device. She didn't seem that far |
||
| − | away. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was only supposed to be a precautionary measure though… |
||
| − | |||
| − | She was completely relying on him to seek her out. He zoomed in on her |
||
| − | location and started walking towards it. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tents covered one school ground to another; it almost made this place look |
||
| − | like a fair with street vendors. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Seems like there’s a festival going on here…" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Erika said to herself. But when she realized that, she started laughing at |
||
| − | herself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | She had a habit of talking to herself, but from the beginning of this school |
||
| − | year, she hid that habit. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Unusual that I’m by myself, huh… It looks like you really don’t |
||
| − | understand me that well Tatsuya-kun. |
||
| − | |||
| − | She was silently talking to him — the boy whom she broke her promise |
||
| − | with. |
||
| − | |||
| − | During middle school, actually even in elementary school, she spent most |
||
| − | of her time alone. It’s not like she hated people or anything like that. She |
||
| − | had a pleasant attitude and she could easily get along with anyone. She just |
||
| − | becomes negligent towards relationships quickly. |
||
| − | |||
| − | She just couldn't be with anyone 24 hours a day. Her good friends called |
||
| − | her cold and said that she acted like a whimsical cat. Others said that she |
||
| − | acted high and mighty. There were many boys who wanted to have a |
||
| − | relationship with her, but none ever lasted. She went around freely, not |
||
| − | being tied down by any promises. |
||
| − | |||
| − | That was her motto. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | …Well, it WAS my motto… but lately I’ve been acting a bit weird. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Looking at it from a 3rd person’s perspective, it almost seemed like she |
||
| − | was stalking him, Erika thought to herself. This is the first time that I |
||
| − | promised to meet up and go around with someone. It has only been a week |
||
| − | so I could get bored of this like always, but at the same time, I was |
||
| − | thinking that this might be different. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Erika~" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | 10 minutes after the promised time. From just past the school entrance |
||
| − | within school grounds, Tatsuya was calling out Erika’s name. |
||
| − | He found me quicker than I expected, she thought. |
||
| − | "…Sorry." |
||
| − | He showed a painful expression on his face for a moment, but then he |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | bowed his head down. |
||
| − | "…So you’re going to apologize." |
||
| − | Erika wasn’t expecting this, so she was stupefied. |
||
| − | "I’m sorry for being 10 minutes late for our meeting time. But, being late |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | and not being at the promised location are two different things." |
||
| − | "Ack… sorry." |
||
| − | It was a strange expression, but Erika was unable to counter the smile on |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | his serious face. |
||
| − | "…Say Tatsuya, don’t people say that you have a bad personality?" |
||
| − | "No, that’s unthinkable. No one has ever complained about my personality. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | They have said that I am a bad person though." |
||
| − | "That’s the same thing! Wait, that’s even worse!" |
||
| − | "Oh wait, that’s wrong. Not a bad person but an evil person." |
||
| − | "That’s even worse!" |
||
| − | "I was even called a demon by some people." |
||
| − | "Ok, I’ve had enough!" |
||
| − | As Erika was panting, Tatsuya started acting like a pondering philosopher. |
||
| − | "You seem tired. Are you okay?" |
||
| − | "…Tatsuya. People mentioned that you have a bad personality, didn’t |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | they?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Well as a matter of fact they did." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "…So you’re just going to ignore the entire conversation we just had?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Erika just drooped her head from fatigue. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | It took a little effort recovering her mood, but Tatsuya was able to continue |
||
| − | his patrol before people around them started ridiculing them. |
||
| − | |||
| − | But 5 minutes into it, Tatsuya wanted to go home. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He had underestimated things. Even though he heard that things were a bit |
||
| − | "rowdy", he still thought it would be within the bounds of a normal high |
||
| − | school club recruitment fair. But in reality, it was nowhere near that. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Hm, I see why they need people to police this place, but I don’t think even |
||
| − | 10 people are going to be enough. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The mass of tents covering the grounds were filled with people. Across the |
||
| − | wall of people, Erika was captured and letting out some kind of scream. |
||
| − | Even though she had high agility, she still wasn’t able to push her way |
||
| − | through the crowd. Well, it didn't sound too convincing coming from |
||
| − | Tatsuya who decided to look on from a distance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It did not necessarily mean that Tatsuya had more agility; it was just that |
||
| − | people targeted her rather than him. Tatsuya had an average height and |
||
| − | looks, and at first glance he seemed a bit plain. On top of that, he was also |
||
| − | a Weed so people paid no attention to him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In Erika’s case, she was beautiful. Miyuki is the type of fragile beauty that |
||
| − | made people hesitate reaching their hand out to, but Erika is the type of |
||
| − | beauty that, even though people know they would be burned somewhat, |
||
| − | they would still try to grasp her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Basically, what happened was that the club solicitations bombarded her. |
||
| − | The fact that she was a Course 2 student didn’t help her at all (or as Erika |
||
| − | put it, it was useless). They were probably trying to make her join as a |
||
| − | mascot figure, something that didn’t require the use of magic. So |
||
| − | everything around her turned into chaos. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya couldn’t see what was going on through the line of people (he |
||
| − | guessed that they were probably, at worst, only grabbing her arm, holding |
||
| − | on to her, or even groping her). The atmosphere quickly turned murderous |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | as this went on to a point where Tatsuya could no longer ignore it. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya only went ahead of her because he assumed that she would be able |
||
| − | to fight her way through. A person would need a lot of training to restrain |
||
| − | someone like Erika. He remembered how she was able to quickly flick the |
||
| − | CAD out of Morisaki’s hands, and that move was not something that could |
||
| − | be obtained in a year or so. Because of that, Tatsuya had confidence in her |
||
| − | abilities. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The ones who actually surrounded Erika were all female upperclassmen. It |
||
| − | seemed like the males were not insolent enough to go around touching a |
||
| − | girl’s body. He assumed that she would be able to break past girls who |
||
| − | were only a year older than her, but that seemed to put her at a |
||
| − | disadvantage. Erika was hesitant in using any violence. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Just when Tatsuya thought about saving her, it occurred. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Hey, wait, where are you touching me? S... Stop…!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | He started hearing cries of help from Erika. It looked like playtime was |
||
| − | over. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya quickly engaged the CAD on his left arm. When the magic |
||
| − | formulated, he kicked the ground and made it shake slightly. Physically, |
||
| − | the vibrations he made from the shock weren’t visible, but he used magic |
||
| − | to manipulate the vibrations he made and directed them towards the crowd. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The vibrations weren’t enough to make a person unconscious. Tatsuya |
||
| − | didn’t have the physical strength or the magic capability to make a |
||
| − | vibration that large. But the vibrations did make everyone lose their sense |
||
| − | of balance. |
||
| − | |||
| − | As he pushed forward in the crowd everyone who was touched by Tatsuya |
||
| − | fell over. After pushing a number of people over, both boys and girls, he |
||
| − | was able to get to the center and break through the upperclassmen. Tatsuya |
||
| − | then grabbed Erika’s hand and said "Run". He pulled her hand and made |
||
| − | his way out of the crowd. |
||
| − | |||
| − | After slipping through the crowd like a magician, Tatsuya was able to run |
||
| − | to a remote location between the buildings. After letting go of her hand and |
||
| − | turning around, he finally realized the mess she was in. Her hair was |
||
| − | messed up, her new uniform was wrinkled, her top was undone, and her |
||
| − | necktie was in her hand since it had fallen off. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya, by pure coincidence, was able to see the skin underneath her |
||
| − | uniform as she frantically tried to fix herself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Don’t look!" |
||
| − | Even though she was looking down, she was able to tell by the way |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya’s feet were turning towards her. When she got back up to yell at |
||
| − | him, his face was already turned the other direction. |
||
| − | "…Did you see?" |
||
| − | He could easily imagine her red face. |
||
| − | "…" |
||
| − | But Tatsuya was unable to give her an answer. |
||
| − | He should say that he didn’t see. That would be the smart thing to do. |
||
| − | But the slightly sunburned skin, her white breast, and her slim body. Even |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the beige-colored undergarments were all etched in his memory. |
||
| − | "Did. You. See?!" |
||
| − | It seemed like she was done dressing since he could no longer hear any |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | rustling of clothes. At the same time, he understood that he didn’t have any |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | more time to think based on the tone of her voice. |
||
| − | Well, in that case I should be punched in the face then, he thought. Even |
||
| − | though it wasn’t his fault, he should at least show some sincerity being the |
||
| − | guy and all. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | —And so, after briefly escaping from reality, he turned around (now that |
||
| − | he thought about it, he was not completely innocent since he left her in the |
||
| − | crowd in the first place). |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Thankfully she was actually done dressing up. If she wasn’t, then it |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | would’ve probably made things much worse. |
||
| − | Tatsuya was relieved in seeing her fully buttoned up with the neck tie |
||
| − | woven tightly. But then Tatsuya thought, if she hadn’t loosened her neck |
||
| − | tie and unbuttoned the top button in the first place, it wouldn’t have gotten |
||
| − | so bad. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Sorry, I saw." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | But he did not dare say that. After seeing her red face and lines of tears |
||
| − | that were left on her eyes, he couldn’t say anything. |
||
| − | Erika glared at Tatsuya from below. She started becoming red again and |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | clenched her fists, probably from remembering the shame she just |
||
| − | suffered. |
||
| − | "...Idiot!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | She didn’t use her hands, but instead kicked him in the shin. But then, after |
||
| − | she did that, she quickly turned around and walked away. |
||
| − | Tatsuya silently followed her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya couldn’t see her face, but he could tell it was filled with tears. |
||
| − | He trained his shin so it could withstand a full-blown attack from a |
||
| − | wooden sword. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Her flexible shoes with no protection to the toes probably felt much more |
||
| − | pain than he did. But, if he tried to say anything regarding that, she would |
||
| − | probably just lash out again. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | All he could do was pretend not to notice the unnatural way she walked. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though tents were popped up all over school, it was only on the |
||
| − | school grounds outside. Inside the buildings, there were demonstrations |
||
| − | going on within the various club rooms. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | And also here in the gymnasium. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The two made their way into the 2nd gymnasium, also known as the |
||
| − | "Arena", where the Kendo club was performing. |
||
| − | —By the way, at this point Erika had long cooled her head. She already |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | knew that she was blaming him for something that he didn’t do. It also |
||
| − | helped that he didn’t make any excuses toward her. Yet, she already started |
||
| − | unbuttoning her top button and loosened her neck tie because "it was |
||
| − | getting hot". She seemed to already be forgetting what she had gone |
||
| − | through. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The two looked down on the arena by the corridor at the Kendo club’s |
||
| − | demonstrations. |
||
| − | "Oh… even though it’s a Magic school, there’s a Kendo club." |
||
| − | Erika nonchalantly said. |
||
| − | "Isn’t it common to have a Kendo club at a school?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya nonchalantly answered. But then Erika started staring at his face. |
||
| − | "…Is there something wrong?" |
||
| − | "…That’s unexpected." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "What is?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "I didn’t know that there was something Tatsuya-kun didn’t know. |
||
| − | Anybody who’s had martial arts training already knows about this." |
||
| − | Tatsuya started to worry after listening to her. |
||
| − | "Do I look like a person who acts like he knows everything?" |
||
| − | "Ah, no, that’s not it. It’s just that you have that aura that you know |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | everything." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Aura you say… I’m the same year as you remember? Oh well, putting |
||
| − | that aside, why is having a Kendo club so special?" |
||
| − | "Oh, right, you’re the same year as me… when you put it that way it’s kind |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | of strange… ahhhh, anyway, Kendo right? If you’re aiming to become a |
||
| − | Magician, Kendo isn’t something you do at a high school level. What |
||
| − | Magicians typically use are magical sword skills based off from |
||
| − | "Kenjutsu" and not "Kendo". You probably take Kendo up to elementary |
||
| − | school to get the fundamentals of Kenjutsu, but during middle school, |
||
| − | those who want to become Magicians already go to Kenjutsu instead. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Is that right… I thought Kendo and Kenjutsu were the same thing." |
||
| − | "Wow, that’s really unexpected." |
||
| − | After hearing Tatsuya say that, she really was surprised. |
||
| − | "Even though you seem like you have so much martial arts experience… |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ah, I know!" |
||
| − | "What?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya was surprised by Erika’s sudden outburst. |
||
| − | Well, he wasn’t the only one who was surprised, but Erika just ignored all |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | that and just kept on making faces like "I got it" and "Everything makes |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | sense now". |
||
| − | "Hey Tatsuya, you’re assuming that all martial arts are combined with |
||
| − | magic right? Not only martial arts but fighting spirits and things like that. |
||
| − | You assume that magic is used to supplement the body when it moves |
||
| − | around right?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Isn’t it obvious? Muscle isn’t the only thing that makes the body move." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | From Tatsuya’s point of view, what Erika said was obvious to him, but |
||
| − | Erika only seemed to nod with some kind of understanding. |
||
| − | "Well, for Tatsuya it may be obvious. But in normal competitions that’s not |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | the case." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I see." |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was a roundabout way of saying it, but Tatsuya was now aware how his |
||
| − | common sense was slightly off from hers. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Putting that aside, why don’t we just quietly watch the performance |
||
| − | now?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | This time it was Tatsuya’s turn to make Erika aware. When she followed |
||
| − | his subtle glances, she saw that everybody was looking towards her. After |
||
| − | letting out a nervous laugh, she became a quiet spectator. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The practice rounds shown by the regulars were in full force. What caught |
||
| − | everyone’s eyes especially was the performance by a female 2nd Year |
||
| − | student. |
||
| − | |||
| − | She wasn’t large or anything; she had around the same body structure as |
||
| − | Erika, but she was fighting on par with a man twice her size. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It wasn't just strength, but she was using graceful skills to parry her |
||
| − | opponent’s attacks. She looked like she had some leeway. |
||
| − | |||
| − | She had a certain beauty in the way she fought the practice rounds. All the |
||
| − | spectators had their eyes on her. |
||
| − | |||
| − | But there was an exception right here. Right after she defeated her |
||
| − | opponent theatrically and bowed her head, Tatsuya heard a snort from |
||
| − | beside him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It seems like you didn’t enjoy it." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Huh? Well, yeah…" |
||
| − | |||
| − | She didn’t realize that the statement was directed towards her so there was |
||
| − | a slight pause in the answer. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "…It’s so boring watching this though. She’s fighting with an opponent |
||
| − | that has a much lower skill level than her, so she’s able to show off like |
||
| − | that. Instead of a fight, it seems more like a rehearsal." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well, you are right regarding that, but…" |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya’s face let out a natural smile. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It’s a performance to promote their club remember? There are always pro |
||
| − | martial artists who do showy moves to demonstrate live combat, but you |
||
| − | can’t really show live combat to normal people. Live combat in martial |
||
| − | arts is basically trying to kill one another." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "…You’re so cool-headed, aren’t you." |
||
| − | "It’s just a difference of opinion." |
||
| − | Erika looked away with an irritated face. |
||
| − | But this is the facial expression she uses when she acts like she’s angry. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | She’s probably more angry towards the people who use martial arts as a |
||
| − | flashy show than what it’s really supposed to be and finds those people |
||
| − | dishonest. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Even if Tatsuya puts those feelings into words, it would probably irritate |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | her even further. |
||
| − | He doubted that she would just jump into the fight, but he knew that she |
||
| − | would do something similar to that. As Tatsuya was about to lead Erika |
||
| − | away, something caught his attention. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Just as the two were leaving the spectator corridor and about to exit the |
||
| − | building, he started hearing a commotion. It seemed like someone was |
||
| − | arguing. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | When he looked to his side, Erika was looking up at him. Her eyes were |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | brimming with curiosity. |
||
| − | The first one to dart off towards the commotion was Erika, while she |
||
| − | grabbed Tatsuya’s sleeve. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya was essentially being dragged to the middle of the commotion. |
||
| − | As the two pushed past the crowd (the only reason no one really got angry |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | was because Erika smiled at them as she pushed on by), they saw a |
||
| − | swordsman and a swordswoman confronting each other. |
||
| − | The girl was the same girl who just participated in the practice round (or |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | rehearsal as Erika puts it). Her chest plate was still on, but her helmet was |
||
| − | off. She was a beautiful girl with semi-long black hair. She seemed perfect |
||
| − | as an advertisement for the new student recruits with her looks and her |
||
| − | skill. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Tatsuya, do you like those types of girls?" |
||
| − | "No, you’re much prettier Erika." |
||
| − | "…I’m not going to fall for that monotone voice of yours." |
||
| − | Even though she was glaring at him, her face was subtly red. |
||
| − | "Sorry, I’m not used to it." |
||
| − | "…Aahhh! Why are you always…" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | She started mumbling something but thankfully, she stopped harassing |
||
| − | Tatsuya, so he was able to focus his attention on the swordsman. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He was about the same size as Tatsuya, but he seemed to have a springloaded |
||
| − | body. He had a shinai in his hand but no armor on. He was going to |
||
| − | ask people around him what was going on, but it didn’t seem like he |
||
| − | needed to. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The Kenjutsu club is scheduled to perform an hour later Kirihara! Why |
||
| − | can’t you wait?!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Wow, how can you say that Mibu? I was just trying to help you guys out |
||
| − | since these weaklings you got here don’t seem to be advertising your |
||
| − | Kendo club effectively." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "By forcing him to have a practice round with you?! I can’t believe you’re |
||
| − | saying things like that! If the Disciplinary Committee finds out that you |
||
| − | used violence on an upperclassman, you’re not the only one who’s going |
||
| − | to be in trouble!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Violence you say? Hey, hey Mibu, don’t be exaggerating things here. I |
||
| − | just used my shinai to hit his helmet. If that guy’s part of the Kendo club, |
||
| − | he shouldn’t be going unconscious over something like this. Besides, he |
||
| − | was the one who started it anyway." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "It’s because you provoked him!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | There isn't much meaning to have a dispute when their weapons are |
||
| − | pointed at each other, thought Tatsuya. But since it made clear what was |
||
| − | going on, it was convenient for him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Seems like fun." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Erika mumbled on the side, Tatsuya wasn’t sure if she was talking to |
||
| − | herself or not. But he could tell from her tone that she was excited. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "This is much more interesting than that little rehearsal that we just saw." |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Do you know those two?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Well, I don’t personally know them." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Seeing how she responded to his question, it didn't seem like she was |
||
| − | talking to herself. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "I just remembered about the girl. Her name is Mibu Sayaka. The year |
||
| − | before last, in the National Middle School Kendo Tournament, she placed |
||
| − | second in the entire country. She was cheered by the media as the |
||
| − | Beautiful Swordswomen for awhile." |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "…But she placed second, right?" |
||
| − | "Well... the champion’s looks were… you know." |
||
| − | "I see." |
||
| − | That’s the media for you. |
||
| − | "The guy’s name is Kirihara Takeaki. The year before last he placed 1st |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | place in the Kanto Middle School Kenjutsu Tournament. A real champion." |
||
| − | "He didn’t participate in the Nationals?" |
||
| − | "The Nationals for the Kenjutsu tournament only start from High school |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | since there are much fewer competitors for that one." |
||
| − | Well that’s right, nodded Tatsuya in agreement. |
||
| − | Kenjutsu is a sport that combined sword techniques with magic, so the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | basic prerequisite to do Kenjutsu is to be able to use magic. Even though |
||
| − | technology has come a long way in assisting people in using magic, |
||
| − | probably only 1 in 1000 middle schoolers are able to use it in a practical |
||
| − | setting. Even in adulthood, only 1 in 10 are able to maintain that level of |
||
| − | magic. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Even though some of them are Course 2 students within the schools, |
||
| − | outside of school, they’re basically elites. |
||
| − | "Oh, looks like it’s starting." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya was able to feel the atmosphere reaching its breaking point. |
||
| − | Just as a precautionary measure, he took out his armband and attached it to |
||
| − | his left arm. The student next to him was surprised, but he glared at him |
||
| − | after seeing there wasn’t anything on his left chest. But Tatsuya’s attention |
||
| − | was focused on the two. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | The female swordswoman was hesitant in attacking an opponent with no |
||
| − | armor on. But, as long as they faced their swords at each other and had no |
||
| − | intent on backing down, there was no choice but to fight. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | It seemed like Kirihara was going to make the first move. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Don’t worry Mibu, it’s only a demonstration for the Kendo club. I won’t |
||
| − | use any magic on you." |
||
| − | "Do you think you can beat me with technique alone? You, Kirihara from |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the Kenjutsu club who heavily relies on magic, and me, from the Kendo |
||
| − | club who relies on nothing but technique?" |
||
| − | "You talk pretty big Mibu. I’ll show you. The Kenjutsu technique is used |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | to fight past the body limitations!" |
||
| − | That was the signal of the fight. |
||
| − | Kirihara lunged forward and swung his shinai towards her head. |
||
| − | The sounds of shinais beating each other echoed in the room, followed by |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | screams that came seconds later. The spectators couldn’t tell what was |
||
| − | going on. They could only listen as bamboo and bamboo hit one another, |
||
| − | sounds so violent that they almost sounded metallic. Most were only able |
||
| − | to imagine the intense fighting taking place. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | —Excluding a small number of people. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Impressive. The female Kendo students are at a pretty high level. If this is |
||
| − | how good the second place is, then how strong was the champion?" |
||
| − | Tatsuya let out a breadth of admiration towards Sayaka’s skill. |
||
| − | "No, she’s completely different from when I last saw her. I can’t believe |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | how much she’s improved in only 2 years…" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Even though she let out a surprised look, Erika hid her face as she licked |
||
| − | her lips while she let out a combative aura. |
||
| − | The two were momentarily locked in place, but they quickly pushed each |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | other and jumped back to make space between one another. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Some took a breath while others gasped for it. The spectator’s reactions |
||
| − | were split in two. |
||
| − | "I wonder who will win…" |
||
| − | Erika asked in a quiet voice. |
||
| − | "Mibu-senpai seems like she has the upper hand." |
||
| − | Tatsuya answered in a whisper. |
||
| − | "The reason?" |
||
| − | "Kirihara-senpai is avoiding the head when he attacks. That first move he |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | made was a bluff because he knew that she was easily going to take it. |
||
| − | Besides, he’s limited by not being able to use his magic. In terms of |
||
| − | technique alone, Mibu-senpai is much better." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Agreed. But, the question is, can Kirihara-senpai hold himself in until the |
||
| − | end?" |
||
| − | "Oooooooooooooooo!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | First time during the match, Kirihara let out a roar while lunging forward |
||
| − | and attacks from both opponents struck head on. |
||
| − | "Is it a draw?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "No, it’s not." |
||
| − | Kirihara’s shinai skimmed Sayaka’s left arm while Sayaka’s shinai was |
||
| − | stuck in his right shoulder. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Ugh." |
||
| − | Kirihara used his left hand to push away her shinai and dove back. |
||
| − | "He lost because he tried to change his aim in the middle of the attack." |
||
| − | "I see, so that’s why he seemed to waver in his attack. It was the perfect |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | timing to make it a draw… but I guess he couldn’t cut off his feelings." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya and the others weren’t the only ones who knew the match was |
||
| − | over. |
||
| − | Seated towards the front of the crowd were members of the Kendo club |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | and the Kenjutsu club. The Kendo members let out a sigh of relief while |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | the Kenjutsu members clenched their teeth in anger. |
||
| − | "If this were a real fight, then this would have been a mortal wound. The |
||
| − | attack you made on me didn’t even reach my bones. Just admit your loss." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Sayaka let out a declaration of victory in a graceful pose. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | But Kirihara distorted his face while listening. Was his swordsman side |
||
| − | admitting his loss despite what he was feeling otherwise? |
||
| − | "He…heheheheh." |
||
| − | He suddenly started letting out a hollow laugh. Did he admit his defeat? It |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | didn’t seem that way. |
||
| − | Tatsuya’s sense of danger shot up within him. The only person who sensed |
||
| − | this more than Tatsuya was the one who was standing in front of Kirihara |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | — Sayaka. |
||
| − | He recovered his stance, pointed his weapon at her, and looked sharply at |
||
| − | her. |
||
| − | "A real fight, you say? If this was a real fight, you wouldn’t even be able to |
||
| − | |||
| − | cut me. Mibu, do you really want to have a real fight? Then… I’ll show |
||
| − | you what a ‘real fight’ is!" |
||
| − | As Kirihara activated his CAD using his right hand, screams came from |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | the crowd of spectators. |
||
| − | |||
| − | There was a screeching sound that echoed the room, like someone was |
||
| − | scratching a panel of glass. There were some who even kneeled down with |
||
| − | pale faces. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Kirihara jumped forward and swung his shinai down. |
||
| − | |||
| − | He had the same speed, but he wasn’t using as much strength as before. |
||
| − | Regardless, Sayaka jumped back. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The attack didn’t even hit; it barely grazed her. But her chestplate was cut |
||
| − | open, just by getting grazed by a shinai. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The thing that increased its cutting power is a close combat Vibration |
||
| − | Magic, "Sonic Blade". |
||
| − | |||
| − | "How’s that Mibu?! This is a ‘real’ fight!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | As he was about to make another swing towards Sayaka, Tatsuya jumped |
||
| − | in front of him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Before he jumped in, Tatsuya activated his CADs on both arms (using his |
||
| − | Psion as "hands" to press the switches) and transferred his Psion within |
||
| − | them. He used those CAD to shoot out an intricate web of Psion waves, a |
||
| − | type of Non-Systematic magic that he used. |
||
| − | |||
| − | By now, there were many spectators who held their mouths because a |
||
| − | symptom similar to motion sickness spread across the crowd. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Kirihara’s shinai and Tatsuya’s arm intersected, but there weren’t any |
||
| − | sounds of the shinai hitting meat. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The sound that came out was the sound of a body falling to the floor. |
||
| − | |||
| − | After the spectators recovered from the sound and sickness, they were able |
||
| − | to finally see what was going on. |
||
| − | |||
| − | And what they saw was Kirihara on the ground while Tatsuya was keeping |
||
| − | him there, by holding his left wrist and using his knee to push down on his |
||
| − | shoulder. |
||
| − | |||
| − | . . . |
||
| − | |||
| − | Within the gymnasium, a.k.a "Arena", what broke silence was whispers of |
||
| − | hostility. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | "Who’s that?" |
||
| − | "I’ve never seen him before." |
||
| − | "Is he a new student?" |
||
| − | "Look at it, he’s a Weed." |
||
| − | "What the hell is a Weed doing?" |
||
| − | "But that thing on his armband—" |
||
| − | "Wait, I heard a rumor that someone from the Course 2 made it into the |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Disciplinary Committee." |
||
| − | "What? Seriously? A Weed in the Disciplinary Committee?" |
||
| − | The whispers originated from the Kenjutsu club and spread from there |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | (from both boys and girls). Within the crowded circle, half stared at |
||
| − | Tatsuya with hostility, while others simply gazed while holding their |
||
| − | breath. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | In this hostile atmosphere, Tatsuya coolly (while holding Kirihara down) |
||
| − | took out his communication device in his mobile terminal. His cool face |
||
| − | didn’t seem like a bluff. It seemed like he was used to being the bad guy in |
||
| − | most situations. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "This is Tatsuya within the 2nd gymnasium. I have apprehended one |
||
| − | student. He seems to be injured so please bring a stretcher just in case." |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | He didn’t speak in a loud voice, but his voice echoed through the crowd. |
||
| − | After the realization of what was happening sunk in, a member of the |
||
| − | Kenjutsu club took a step forward and started shouting at Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | "Hey, what are you doing?!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | He must have been confused, asking meaningless questions like that. |
||
| − | Actually, it might not have been a question, but more of a threat. |
||
| − | "I am apprehending Kirihara-senpai because of improper use of magic." |
||
| − | Tatsuya dutifully answered the yelling individual. Well, technically, his |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | eyes were still focused on Kirihara below him so even if it was dutiful it |
||
| − | wasn’t exactly respectful. Depending on how you look at it, it seemed like |
||
| − | he was looking down on his opponent. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | And that’s exactly how the upperclassman Kenjutsu member took it. |
||
| − | "Hey, you! Stop looking down at me you damn Weed!" |
||
| − | He started lunging forward to grab Tatsuya in the chest. |
||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Tatsuya quickly let go of Kirihara and stepped back. He took a look at |
||
| − | Kirihara and saw that his consciousness was still hazy from the fall so it |
||
| − | looked like he wasn’t going to be running away anywhere. After making |
||
| − | that judgment, he focused his attention on the (oncoming) upperclassman |
||
| − | in front of him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Other Kenjutsu members were becoming angered by Tatsuya’s attitude of |
||
| − | acting coolly like his opponents weren't even a threat. The upperclassman |
||
| − | facing him clenched his teeth to a point where you could hear it grind. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Why is it only Kirihara?! Mibu over there is as guilty as he is! She was |
||
| − | the one to continue the fight!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | The statement came from the crowd. It was a criticism that was shot |
||
| − | toward Tatsuya and it was also made to support the upperclassman. But |
||
| − | Tatsuya didn’t even budge and said, |
||
| − | |||
| − | "As I said before, I’m apprehending him for the improper use of magic." |
||
| − | |||
| − | Again, with a calm voice he dutifully answered. |
||
| − | |||
| − | You should’ve just ignored them… thought Erika, and at that point, her |
||
| − | concerns became real. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Stop messing around!" |
||
| − | |||
| − | The upperclassman was filled with rage again and lunged toward Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya avoided the attacks like a bullfighter in a ring, but this just made |
||
| − | things worse. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Now the upperclassman was throwing his fists at him, but Tatsuya was still |
||
| − | dodging those. |
||
| − | |||
| − | No matter what the upperclassman did he wasn’t able to touch Tatsuya. |
||
| − | Not only was empty handed combat Tatsuya’s specialty, but the |
||
| − | upperclassman was also making crude movements because of his rage. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya was taking light steps to dodge his opponent’s brash punches. Just |
||
| − | when Tatsuya stopped moving because the upperclassman stopped from |
||
| − | fatigue, two more members from the Kenjutsu club attacked Tatsuya from |
||
| − | behind. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Just when Erika was about to shout "Behind you!", Tatsuya spun around |
||
| − | and tangled the two members together. The two Kenjutsu members ran |
||
| − | into each other and rolled to the ground. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Silence filled the room again. It was completely silent in the arena. |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | If there were any sound effects at this moment, it would be the sound of a |
||
| − | boiling point reaching its peak. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Because in the next moment, the entire Kenjutsu club started attacking |
||
| − | Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Screams arose from the crowd and everyone who wasn’t involved |
||
| − | (including the Kendo members) started running away to avoid the brawl. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Sayaka was the only one in the crowd who stepped forward to help |
||
| − | Tatsuya. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Wait, Mibu." |
||
| − | |||
| − | A 3rd Year upperclassman from the same Kendo club grabbed her wrist. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "Ah, Tsukasa-senpai." |
||
| − | |||
| − | She resisted for a moment, but when she saw the person who grabbed her |
||
| − | wrist, she let him pull her away from the scene. Her face was overcome |
||
| − | with guilt from running away from the fight, but she couldn’t let go of the |
||
| − | 3rd Year Kendo Male Club President’s hand. |
||
| − | |||
| − | As the Male Club President took Sayaka away from the brawl, Tatsuya |
||
| − | was in the middle of it, getting ready to take the Kenjutsu members head |
||
| − | on. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Well, not necessarily "head on" as in counter attacking; all he did was |
||
| − | dodge and parry the attacks the "Blooms" unleashed on him. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Tatsuya’s movements were not graceful; they were solid, or even certain if |
||
| − | there is a right word for it. It’s almost as if he could tell the order the |
||
| − | upperclassmen were going to attack from all directions; all he made were |
||
| − | the minimal necessary movements. He stayed calm during the ordeal and |
||
| − | showed no signs of being cornered. When they cooperated to drive him in |
||
| − | a corner, he merely did a feint and had them hit each other; when they |
||
| − | came at him like a wall, he skillfully wove his way through it. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Even though more than 10 people were attacking him at once, they weren’t |
||
| − | even able to disrupt his breathing, let alone stop him in place. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The Blooms understood in anger that this insolent Weed wasn’t attacking |
||
| − | back not because he couldn’t, but because he didn’t even need to. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This caused the rest of the Kenjutsu members to activate their CADs in |
||
| − | anger. But when they lit it up to shoot up magic towards him, nothing |
||
| − | happened. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Whenever Tatsuya looked in their directions, they were filled with motion |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | sickness and their blocks of Psion dissipated into thin air. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The Kenjutsu members cursed as they couldn't understand what was going |
||
| − | on, but they merely proceeded to attack Tatsuya with their fists. |
||
| − | |||
| − | All the while, Sayaka didn’t notice that her Male President was observing |
||
| − | the situation out of curiosity. |
||
| − | |||
| − | [modifier] Afterword |
||
| − | |||
| − | Everyone, nice to meet you. Satou Tsutomu here. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Thank you very much for picking up this book. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This "Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei" that became my debut work in a |
||
| − | novel-posting site since October 2008 was edited and revised in the |
||
| − | published serialization. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This work was written entirely as a hobby, then received an offer to be |
||
| − | published out of luck. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It was started from an email I received from the great administrator of the |
||
| − | novel-posting site. |
||
| − | |||
| − | That email was sent by the people from ASCII Media Works, and the text |
||
| − | transmitted was a words of invitation, "We want to discuss the terms for |
||
| − | publication." |
||
| − | |||
| − | To be honest, I doubted my eyes. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Entertainment novel is my number one hobby. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I also love reading and writing. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Therefore, as an entertainment novel writer, I had the desire to publish my |
||
| − | works in the stage of books since long ago. |
||
| − | |||
| − | While being a salaryman who will never get promoted, I applied this novel |
||
| − | that I wrote in my spare time to the publisher's rookie of the year award. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, this kind of thing was allowed precisely because "Mahouka |
||
| − | Koukou no Rettousei" was freely published on the web by an amateur and |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | a self-evaluated work. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Dealing with a reputable publisher is an adventure isn't it~? |
||
| − | |||
| − | I remembered how I wished that this was somebody else's problem. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Actually, the aforementioned publisher's award I applied to was Dengeki |
||
| − | Novel Prize by ASCII Media Works, but my competition entry was easily |
||
| − | defeated. |
||
| − | |||
| − | If you allow me to make an excuse, it was because I had to tightly |
||
| − | compress the amount of sentences of this work into half due to the |
||
| − | application's regulation. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I even felt, "Isn't this unreasonable?" |
||
| − | |||
| − | But I accepted my defeat. |
||
| − | |||
| − | "The world is not that sweet" is one of the few useful lessons I learned in |
||
| − | my life as a salaryman. |
||
| − | |||
| − | However, an "unexpectedly nice" event also occurs in life once in a while. |
||
| − | |||
| − | After a chat started with a usual greeting with the person from editorial |
||
| − | department of Dengeki Bunko that I met (although probably keeping his |
||
| − | name secret is unnecessary, I will call him M-sama in accordance to the |
||
| − | custom(?)). |
||
| − | |||
| − | I was really surprised when asked, "Aren't you 'XXXX'-san who wrote |
||
| − | 'XXXX'?". |
||
| − | |||
| − | The work that I applied to Dengeki Novel Prize was this work, although |
||
| − | they shared some settings, the style of the SF was completely different, |
||
| − | moreover the pen name was also written using kanji notation of an |
||
| − | English-American name by the phonetic equivalent. |
||
| − | |||
| − | Please remember that it somehow happened with my rejected work, but if |
||
| − | you read this work on the web and a "This setting, I remember seeing it |
||
| − | somewhere before" caught in your antenna, it seems that was the reason I |
||
| − | was called out. |
||
| − | |||
| − | It seems M-sama was also hesitating to change a free content into a paid |
||
| − | service, he was very worried about what the web readers would think were |
||
| − | he in their position. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I also thought about that. However, because of the long economic |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | recession, downturn of the company, and overtime's restriction, headwind |
||
| − | was blowing my salaryman profession, so I thought "It'll be hard if I don't |
||
| − | look for a side job huh. But then, I will no longer have any time to write a |
||
| − | novel." |
||
| − | |||
| − | That being the case, this was the best thing I could ask for in order to |
||
| − | continue writing this work. |
||
| − | |||
| − | The world is really not that sweet, but sometimes waiting for good luck = |
||
| − | sweet event. |
||
| − | |||
| − | And of course, this good luck was the offer of publication from M-sama. |
||
| − | |||
| − | And since we were publishing a work that originated on the web, this |
||
| − | publication also received various help from the administrators of the site |
||
| − | "Let's Become a Novelist". |
||
| − | |||
| − | But above all, thanks to all of you who have supported this work so far. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. |
||
| − | |||
| − | I also want to express my gratitude to Kawahara-sensei who gave me a |
||
| − | great honor with his recommendation words, Ishida-sama who added |
||
| − | substantial value to this work with his illustrations, Stone-sama who did |
||
| − | the mechanical design, Suenaga-sama who did the color coordination, and |
||
| − | all of the staff who were involved in the making of this book. |
||
| − | |||
| − | And more than anything, to all of you who picked up this work, this book |
||
| − | that I am so fortunate to be able to deliver, I would like to thank you from |
||
| − | the bottom of my heart. |
||
| − | |||
| − | This is not the end of my good luck, so I'll do my best to deliver the next |
||
| − | volume of this story to everyone, please also support me in the future. |
||
| − | |||
| − | (Satou Tsutomu) |
||
| − | |||
| − | [modifier] The Late Great Favourite |
||
| − | |||
| − | Kawahara Reki |
||
| − | |||
| − | � |
||
| − | Errr, when I was asked to write the recommendation words for "Mahouka |
||
| − | Koukou no Rettousei" from the editor in charge of the story, Mr. M, I |
||
| − | immediately replied in excitement "I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll write two |
||
| − | thousand pages!" while looking at him with a rather presumptuous or |
||
| − | maybe a rather arrogant look... Since the container for a recommendation |
||
| − | commentary that long is impossible to exist, I humbly ask you to please |
||
| − | read these pages as column instead. |
||
| − | |||
| − | In this preface, I'm afraid I would suddenly start from my personal affairs. |
||
| − | I, Kawahara Reki, got his first book published by Dengeki Bunko in 2009. |
||
| − | At that time, there was almost no case of a novel published in the web as |
||
| − | amateur work will be published as it is commercially (aimed at young |
||
| − | adults). In these two years, considerable amount of «Web Adaptation» |
||
| − | were published by all companies. I felt that web novel's existence has been |
||
| − | completely recognized. Then this time, there is the long-awaited |
||
| − | publication from Dengeki Bunko, "Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei" |
||
| − | ("Mahouka" from now on). |
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| − | |||
| − | If you are a reader, then I think you already know that "Mahouka" was |
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| − | serialized in novel-posting site «Let's Become a Novelist» from October |
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| − | 2008, and concluded in March 2011 as a very long work. What's more, it |
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| − | was leading the popularity ranking by a large margin for a long period of |
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| − | time and gained a remarkable 30 million page views (!). |
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| − | |||
| − | Although I can't possibly have enough space to thoroughly write about the |
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| − | charm of "Mahouka" which has gathered so much support, in short, I think |
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| − | I can say it was an «Online Novel that has Unique Deviation» that |
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| − | effectively and splendidly exhibited. |
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| − | |||
| − | For example, if "Mahouka" was written as a competition manuscript for |
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| − | rookie of the year award, even with its persistently constructed magic |
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| − | theory and many colourful characters who made an appearance one by one |
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| − | from the start, it didn't omit a significant portion of the story to fit the |
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| − | regulation. Also, online novel do not have any limitation other than the |
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| − | «Author's Limit». So it is possible for the author to write a massive amount |
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| − | of settings, lot of characters, and a gradually breathtaking developments to |
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| − | one's heart's content. |
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| − | |||
| − | Certainly, it was also a large deviation from the theory of business. What |
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| − | can convert that deviation to charm, in my personal opinion, is only the |
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| − | «Amount of Material», in other words only the amount of the text written. |
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| − | Although earlier I said it was the author's limit, I'm having difficulty with |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | the two series I'm writing as its scale become larger and larger. Anyway, |
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| − | with online novel, what gives an author motivation is only the readers' |
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| − | comments (in the early stage, even that is nonexistent...). When we have |
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| − | passion as the energy source to create, and earnestly connect it when |
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| − | writing something which deviates from theory, surely that work will emit a |
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| − | dazzling charm. |
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| − | |||
| − | "Mahouka" is a rare work that breaks through that very limit and rapidly |
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| − | ascended to the top. The total amount of text the author, Mr. Satou |
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| − | Tsutomu, written in two and a half years surpassed the production pace of |
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| − | most professional writers. For all of you dear readers who just entered the |
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| − | world of "Mahouka" from Dengeki Bunko, please look forward for the |
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| − | work to keep expanding its world from now on. |
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| − | |||
| − | And, although so far I regrettably had been writing in formal language, the |
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| − | prime example of the deviation's charm in "Mahouka" is, if you want to be |
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| − | loved by Miyuki-san more than her Onii-sama, I believe that you have to |
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| − | take Tatsuya-kun's position as the strongest first! For Tatsuya-kun who got |
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| − | magnificent illustration from Mr. Ishida Kana and became more excellent |
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| − | and brilliant than ever, I think Miyuki-san will surely show us even more |
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| − | rampage if that ever happens and continuing publication would not be fun |
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| − | anymore. |
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| − | |||
| − | "Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei" is certainly the Late Great Favourite |
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| − | from the world of online novel. |
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| − | |||
| − | Notes |
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| − | |||
| − | An azusayumi is a kind of sacred bow used in some Shinto rituals. |
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| − | |||
| − | Rather than an archery bow, it is more of a musical bow instead. |
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| − | |||
| − | � |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
*Rozdział 5 - Śmiertelne uderzenie rycerza oraz władcy |
*Rozdział 5 - Śmiertelne uderzenie rycerza oraz władcy |
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*Rozdział 6 - Trąba powietrzna w najciemniejszą noc |
*Rozdział 6 - Trąba powietrzna w najciemniejszą noc |
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Revision as of 22:07, 6 August 2015
Campione! (カンピオーネ！, Kanpiōne) jest to light novel napisana przez Jou Taketsuki i zilustrowana przez Sikorskiego.
Seria liczy obecnie 16 tomów.
Serię Campione! można znaleźć również w następujących językach::
- English (angielski)
- Português Brasileiro (Brazilian Portuguese)
- Bahasa Indonesia (indonezyjski)
- Español (hiszpański)
- Tiếng Việt (vietnamski)
- Français (francuski)
- Deutsch (niemiecki)
- Русский (rosyjski)
- Türkçe (turecki)
Streszczenie fabuły
"Campione - Zabójca Bogów - jest najwyższym królem."
"Skoro może on zabić niebiańską istotę, dlatego może też wezwać święte moce będące w posiadaniu bogów."
"Campione - Zabójca Bogów - to władca."
"Ponieważ moc by zabić bóstwo jest w jego rękach, zatem ma prawo do dominacji nad śmiertelnikami na Ziemi."
"Campione - Zabójca Bogów - jest demonem."
"Dlatego wśród całej ludzkości żyjącej na Ziemi, nie istnieją tacy którzy mają moc do przeciwstawienia się im!"
Kusanagi Godou, 16-letni chłopak, który grał w lidze seniorów jako łapacz i czwarty pałkarz czyli "czyściciel" - gdy był uczniem gimnazjum. Jednak kontuzja zakończyła jego grę w baseball.
Mimo to nie był to dla niego koniec. Podczas przerwy wiosennej jego trzeciego i ostatniego roku w gimnazjum, zaangażował się w przygodę, która skończyła się zabiciem jednego z heretyckich bogów Verethragny. Dlatego stał się najmłodszym - oraz siódmym - Campione.
Teraz, kiedy został Campione, zabójcą bogów młody Godou musi pokonać stwarzających problemy bogów, z pomocą towarzyszy!
Aktualizacje
23.07.2013 - tłumaczenie rozdziału 1 tomu 1 zostało zakończone
12.05.2013 - tłumaczenie rozdziału 3 tomu 6 zostało zakończone
11.04.2013 - tłumaczenie rozdziału 2 tomu 6 zostało zakończone
02.04.2013 - tłumaczenie rozdziału 1 tomu 6 zostało zakończone
05.01.2013 Stworzenie strony polskiego tłumaczenia
Seria lekkich powieści Campione! autorstwa Taketsuki Jou
Tom 1 - Heretycki Bóg
- Ilustracje
- Prolog
- Rozdział 1 - Wakacje w Rzymie
- Rozdział 2 - Pojedynek z Diavolo Rosso 25%
- Rozdział 3 - Dzień z życia władcy 0%
- Rozdział 4 - Wróg z daleka
- Rozdział 5 - Śmiertelne uderzenie rycerza oraz władcy
- Rozdział 6 - Trąba powietrzna w najciemniejszą noc
- Rozdział 7 - Heretycka Atena
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 2 - Przybycie Króla Demonów
- Ilustracje
- Prolog
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 3
- Ilustracje
- Prolog
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 4
- Ilustracje
- Prolog
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 5
- Ilustracje
- Prolog
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 6 Latający Feniks z Boskiej Góry
- Ilustracje
- Rozdział 1 - Żegnaj John Smith Pluto
- Rozdział 2 - Niespokojna Demonica
- Rozdział 3 - Zebranie w Świętym Sanktuarium
- Rozdział 4 - Pałac Tronu Boskiego Monarchy(66%)
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 7
- Ilustracje
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 8
- Ilustracje
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Omake
- Posłowie
Tom 9
- Ilustracje
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 10
- Ilustracje
- Prolog
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 11
- Ilustracje
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 12
- Ilustracje
- Prolog
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 13
- Ilustracje
- Prolog
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Tom 14
- Ilustracje
- Prolog
- Rozdział 1
- Rozdział 2
- Rozdział 3
- Rozdział 4
- Rozdział 5
- Rozdział 6
- Rozdział 7
- Epilog
- Posłowie
Seria specjalnych historii Campione! autorstwa Taketsuki Jou [Blu-Ray]
Historia 1 [po Tomie 11]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Historia 2 [po Tomie 1]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Historia 3 [po Tomie 1]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Historia 4 [po Tomie 7]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Historia 5 [po Tomie 7]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Historia 6 [po Tomie 7]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Historia 7 [po Tomie 7]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Seria krótkich historii Campione! autorstwa Taketsuki Jou
Historia 1 [po Tomie 2]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Historia 2 [po Tomie 5]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Historia 3 [po Tomie 10]
- Historia
Historia 4 [po Tomie 11]
- Historia
Historia 5 [po Tomie 12]
- Ilustracje
- Historia
Przy projekcie pracują
Rezerwacja
Tłumacze
AKTYWNI
Edytorzy
Przegląd Serii
- カンピオーネ！I 神はまつろわず (May 28, 2008) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0428-3
- カンピオーネ！II 魔王来臨 (November 26, 2008) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0460-3
- カンピオーネ！III はじまりの物語 (March 30, 2009) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0481-8
- カンピオーネ！IV 英雄と王 (July 29, 2009) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0496-2
- カンピオーネ！V 剣の巫女 (November 30, 2009) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0516-7
- カンピオーネ！VI 神山飛鳳 (March 30, 2010) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0539-6
- カンピオーネ！VII 斉天大聖 (July 28, 2010) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0557-0
- カンピオーネ！VIII 受難の魔王たち (November 30, 2010) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0579-2
- カンピオーネ！IX 女神再び (March 25, 2011) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0600-3
- カンピオーネ！X 槍の戦神 (August 30, 2011) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0623-2
- カンピオーネ！XI ふたつめの物語 (December 27, 2011) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0653-9
- カンピオーネ！XII かりそめの聖夜 (May 25, 2012) - ISBN 978-4-08-630677-5
- カンピオーネ！XIII 南洋の姫神 (August 24, 2012) - ISBN 978-4-0863-0697-3
